Les Soldes (The Sales)

For five weeks in Summer and five weeks in Winter, the entire country of France goes on sale.  Can you imagine?  When I read about this, I kind of freaked out.  It can't be true.  Designer clothing at 80% off?  No way!  WINE goes on sale?  This is freaking me out.  Can this possibly be about to happen?  I needed to get a handle on this.

Printemps (a fancy French department store)

So, of course, I decided we needed a plan.  Les Soldes started on a Wednesday this month (January 12th, to be exact.)  I decided that we should do a reconnaissance mission and go and find what we wanted to buy, try things on, etc. all before the sales began.  Supposedly, it's a madhouse.  So, Christopher took off from work (isn't he supportive?) and we went into the city to find shoes, purses, designer duds, perfume, etc.  Only, it wasn't as simple as that.


Everyone we asked about the sales told us the same thing.  "Nobody knows."  Is this going on sale?  I don't know.  Will you have things on sale?  I don't know.  What time do you open on Wednesday, the day Les Soldes begin?  I don't know.  Hey buddy.  Do you even work here?


None of our friends could actually tell us much about the sales either.  It's very frustrating wanting to do my research and be prepared for anything when there is no information available.  So, we spent the day window shopping.  I found absolutely NOTHING.  Christopher found two pairs of shoes and a "man purse."

I'm a little jealous

Anyway, we spent one more day scouting finds before the big day and when the big day finally arrived, it was kind of a let down.  None of the things we wanted were on sale!  Well, Christopher did save 10% on his "man purse" but that's about it.


Not to worry.  We still have a few weeks left.  This Sunday, I almost found my "big steal."  Is it still a good deal if the jeans you buy in France are made in Japan, are a little loose in the waist and still cost 102€ after the price reduction?  I guess not.  But they sure were cute.


Currently, on my ever-changing wish list is the following:

• a French globe (all the writing on the globe in French)
• French silverware by Sabre
• One really cute article of clothing that actually fits me, for a bargain price 

The good news is, prices are reduced more and more as time passes. Or so I've heard.  We'll just see about that.


à bientôt!