Shoppers a la mode, photo by Ma Gali

Soldes to the Cheapo in Paris!

It’s that time of year again, Cheapos. Time for resolutions and those after holiday sales! Perhaps the best shopping, bar none, can always be found in Paris. But in January, true bargain-biased fashionistas hoping to pay less for more couture can enjoy five weeks of top-notch January sales as part of the annual Paris Soldes.

We blogged about the kick-off events on this occasion last year. This year, the same benefits apply.

Personal shoppers

Head to www.shoppingbyparis.com, pick your preference (trendy, classic, bohochic…), and find boutiques (like Paul Smith, Le Petit Bateau, and Stella McCartney) and department stores hosting sales, all laid out on colorful, interactive maps. You can also pick out special shopping itineraries customized to your own personal taste and shopping goals. Ooh la la!

And, for four special kick-off days, “Shopping By Paris” will be running special events in participating boutiques and around town. Check out the program. In addition, the Paris Tourism Office offers helpful “digi-guides” to the shops and the events taking place. Find more info here.

Did somebody say ‘paper or plastique‘?

If you plan to go, take a look at our list of cheap hotels in Paris.

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Stylish coffee cups for about $20 from Illums Bolighus

The designers of Denmark are renowned for their sleek and refined ideas. Bringing home some Danish wares can help you spice up your interior decor, from dressing up the bedroom to simplifying the kitchen.

Although some pieces of Danish ingenuity can be very pricey, many smaller, easy-to-pack items won’t cost all of your kroners. Modest vases, picture frames, and jewelry boxes travel well, and are useful and stylish souvenirs.

Danish house wares: Tasteful and practical

Take a trip to the Danish Design Center and the fancy shops on Amagertorv for inspiration, then head over to Magasin du Nord, Scandanavia’s first department store, at Kongens Nytorv 13. There you will find similar kitchenware and home furnishings available for much less.

If you’re planning to enjoy low-priced meals from the grocery store or will be picnicking in the Ørsteds Parken, why not dress it up with some trendy utensils? Collapsible cups and bowls and two-in-one salt and pepper shakers are simply elegant, and will be a hit back home. These pieces can be found for DKK 100 (about US $20).

While you’re at it…

Keep some Danish kroner. Hearts, swirls, and depictions of lions and crowns surrounded by a curvy typeface make for creative coinage. Not only is the fancy money fun to hand out to friends, but you can save it for your next trip. Danes have repeatedly rejected the adoption of the euro, although the government is still committed to its eventual adoption.

Also see: Our list of recommended budget hotels in Copenhagen.

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