VIBE

Forget too-cool-for-school nonchalance: fashionistas literally go bananas for the high design “lifestyle accessories” (home furnishings and electronic gizmos) and fashions (think 3.1 Phillip Lim, Comme des Garçons, and Alexander McQueen) at this trendy store. (Seriously, they love it so much, they even enthusiastically lap up the overpriced beverages at the basement Water Bar, where the café-style menu is dominated by–you guessed it!–water.) This is the place to stock up on of-the-moment fashions or to kit out your home in nifty gadgets and knicknacks.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Funky housewarming gift or home accessory for yourself; filling up the “latest trends” section of your wardrobe

WHY WE LIKE IT

When we want to break out from the endless stream of haute couture boutiques, we follow the Parisian trendsters here. There’s always some nifty toy to ponder in the design section, and we like how in the fashion department the clothes are displayed in complete outfits on mannequins rather than packed on racks.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you can’t get here in person, check out the Colette e-boutique.

CLOSEST COMPS

Browns (London); ABC Carpet and Home (New York); Barneys (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris