Paris Shops: Caverne a Fripes

You'll find this unassuming little shop in the 18th Arrondissement on

You can take the Metro to Rue Des Abbesses and you are just a couple of blocks away. Walk down Rue Des Abbesses turn on Rue Houdon and look for the little yellow sign. When you get there you walk down a few steps to enter into this cavern like double room full of dusty little gems.

I love this little place as it is real Parisian thrifting. The racks are bursting with stuff, there are piles in every corner and the shop owner is a slightly surly but loving gentleman who plays chess and smokes cigarettes while you shop.

We pulled out these as some of our favorite finds.

This one because doesn't every gal need a moo moo covered in zodiac symbols?

Yet shoppers keep in mind... I wouldn't really haggle with this guy, and I'll tell you the story of why in this little tale about a certain Guy Laroche silk jacket. You see I spotted this beautiful Guy Laroche silk jacket. I must admit it really was a find. It was in great vintage condition and priced quite reasonably at 20 Euros. But personally I AM going against the US dollar and I WAS thinking I would want to change the buttons and Hey, I AM just a single girl living on a single girls budget (excuses, excuses). So we were bold and asked if that would be his final price. I know, I know I should have just left well priced, in good condition, vintage designer lie but I figured well why not? Who knows? It can't hurt to ask. Well yes... yes in fact in CAN hurt to ask. He gave us this look of calm disbelief and in a grunt that can only be achieved with many years of experience (in shopping as well as smoking) he said "Mais, c'est Guy Laroche, et ce n'est pas cher". Needless to say I did blush a little and place the jacket down for a minute, more to regain my pride and re check my wallet. But as I did he picked up the jacket, scribbled something on it's label and disappeared into the other room. We put our attention else where but all the time I was thinking of my Guy Laroche, where he had taken it and what he had written on it's now very attractive price tag. When I found it, just as I expected he had remarked the jacket at 30 euros!.... Ouch. Sometimes I should just keep my big mouth shut. At that point I was too embarrassed to ask for it at the original 20euros (damn my pride) So... Ok fine Monsieur, well played. You win this one.

But then to ease my troubles I spotted this on the way out!and at 10 euros it was within my meager single gals budget. So THERE, take that! She's mine now and isn't she wonderful?! I also felt better when I paid and Monsieur gave me a sweet little wink as well as a "Bonne Journée", insuring that all is fair in Love, War and Vintage Shopping! Go visit Canverne et Frips and Tell Them Taryn Sent You! Happy Shopping but beware do NOT mock the prices!
taryn xx