I shop for a living. Whether I'm on vacation or a business trip, it's actually my job to seek out the local goods to report back to our readers. So naturally, I know a thing or two about the best way to get your shopping game on wherever you're traveling. Fashion month presents the best opportunities to scope out the most stylish pieces in all the major cities, and after attending too many to count, I've developed ways to ensure I'm happy with my purchases, as well as methods of getting the goods home without buying a new suitcase each trip and paying additional luggage fees. Happy shopping!
1) The Prep
Once you've decided on your destination, scour online shopping guides from trusted sites and blogs like lovegold.com and telegraph.co.uk. You'll want to map out exactly where you're going. You should have a Xerox color copy of your passport on hand, as international ID is often required when making credit card purchases (keep your actual passport in the hotel safe) and to get VAT return (the best part of shopping in Europe is the tax refund!). Pack a few expandable bags in your suitcase, à la Longchamp's foldable totes, to house all your new purchases. Take a long flight as an opportunity to flip through the latest fashion magazines to get inspired, and think about the pieces you're dying to add to your wardrobe, so you have a solid idea of what you want going in. Download a translation app to your phone if you're not fluent in the language, and buy a local SIM card when you're in metropolitan Asian and European cities. For roughly $20 (go to Orange stores in Paris and TIM stores in Italy), you can avoid that expensive cell phone bill when you get back home.
2) The Gear
Now isn't the time for your ladylike top-handle satchel or narrow north-south shopper tote. Go sporty and hands-free with a sleek belt bag or a small crossbody (harder for purse-snatchers to steal), and pack it with two credit cards (make sure at least one is Master Card/Visa as American Express is not always accepted outside of the US) and enough cash for lunch and transportation to get back to your hotel along with that Xerox copy of your passport. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, as a friend of mine was once accosted in front of a luxury store in Paris on a main street. The thieves took her bag, which had all her credit cards and cash in it. If you need to look up directions on your phone, do it inside a store and not on the street. Having an actual map never hurts, especially if your phone service isn't set up to offer global mapping capabilities. It's also not the time for a glammed-up look. Comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to pull on and off are the way to go. Go simple with a tank top and shorts in the summer and a sweater and upgraded leggings (you won't want to repeatedly fuss with zippers and buttons) in the winter.
Bag Tip: When shopping for fall and winter bags, ask to try on a heavy coat and make sure the shoulder straps fit comfortably over it. As for summer bags, make sure the chain-strapped bags feature a shoulder rest to avoid unsightly marks on your skin and tearing out your hair.
3) The Game Plan
Get a handle on the metro system, along with the taxi and Uber car situation (Le Cab is just as good as Uber in Paris). Strategize which shops you want to hit and the best order for your foreign shopping excursion: start at the high-end boutiques, check out the merchandise, then move on to the high-street stores to look for similar items at more frugal prices. Return to the high-end shops for the things you really cannot live without. I splurge on a few key luxe pieces each season (a Balmain jacket, Prada coat, Chloé dress or a statement bag) and buy less expensive pieces from places like Zara and Cos to mix it up. Local vintage boutiques are also great for unique finds. I usually ask local salespeople where they like to shop vintage rather than consulting a guide. And while you're at it, ask them their favorite non-touristy restaurants (I find that hotel concierges are more prone to direct you to overpriced tourist traps). Some of the best restaurants I discovered in Italy came from the sales staff at Prada in Milano.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to ask for discounts at local boutiques. I love to bargain when shopping in Asia and Europe. I usually start with 50% of the ticketed price and haggle from there.
4) The Aftermath
Ship your heavier and less expensive purchases home from the local post office (it costs 50-70 euro for a medium suitcase-sized box, which is much cheaper than 150 euro for checking extra luggage at the airport, plus buying said luggage). Keep higher ticket purchases in your carry on, as you will have to show them to customs along with completed VAT forms and receipts to get your cash or credit card refund. Allow yourself an additional 30-45 minutes to complete the VAT refund at the airport during the busy summer season. I once stood in line behind dozens of Chinese tourists (each with the max allotted refund forms, even five-year-olds were given forms for their mother's purchases) and almost missed my flight home from Paris. As for returns, the big international brands will let you return at their US locations, but don't forget to ask all stores about return policies when purchasing high-ticket items. Nothing like a souvenir you don't want once you get home.
