Best Things to Do:
Down Jackets
As down jackets, those heavily quilted nylon coats, evoke a variety of reactions from people. Their defenders argue that they are the ultimate go-to option against the cold and wind. And they are right. Their detractors mockingly claim that anyone wearing a down jacket looks like a Michelin man - or as if they've wrapped themselves in a comforter. And they are also right! Especially regarding this item that Maison Martin Margiela made for H&M: a true comforter transformed into a coat.
The fact is that the down jacket is popular and practically everyone has one - even if just to make a quick trip to the grocery store. Brands like the traditional French Moncler and Pyrenex specialize in this type of coat. They release several collections throughout the year and collaborate with famous designers in an attempt to diversify and sophisticated the product. The men's autumn/winter 2013 collection from Balmain, shown in Paris this week, is filled with down jackets. However, they can be found in every store, even in the Monoprix supermarkets.
Of course, the quality and type of material vary: from goose down in the more upscale options to regular 'foam' in the more popular ones. From lighter, more technical nylons to leather, even incorporating fabrics typical of men's tailoring (properly waterproofed).
A good, beautiful, inexpensive and compact option (down jackets are bulky by nature) is the Ultra Light down jacket from Uniqlo. Weighing only 206 grams, they are made with materials used in the manufacture of the most sophisticated comforters. There are three different models: with a hood, without a hood, and a vest. Colorful and easy to fold, they fit into a small bag and cost $70.
Other articles with tips to combat the cold: insoles and socks and fur-lined boots.
Uniqlo: 17 rue Scribe, 75009
Moncler: 7 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75001
Pyrenex: 32 rue de Poitou, 75003
Discover the paris-story.com guide The Good and the Cheap for Shopping in Paris, available on the My Trip Paris website. Written by personal stylist Dione Occhipinti - author of our fashion guide Paris, from High Luxury to Affordable Luxury - it presents budget-friendly brands for clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, and luggage in Paris, as well as thrift stores, end-of-line sales, and outlets.
Discounts and Gifts for paris-story.com Readers
GALERIES LAFAYETTE: Gifts for purchases over €50 made at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, click here for more information and to download the vouchers.
PERFUMERIE FRAGRANCE DE L'OPÉRA: €10 off for every €150 of purchases at Perfumery Fragrance de l'Opéra - click here for all information and to download the voucher.
PHARMACY CARRÉ OPÉRA: 10% off purchases made at Carré Opéra Pharmacy - click here for all information and to download the voucher.
HOTEL SAINT ANDRES DES ARTS (charming 4-star in Saint Germain): 10% off + 1 bottle of wine + breakfast - use code CONEXAOEXCLUSIVE when booking on the hotel site, click here to access.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: 5% off your Travel Insurance purchase using code CONEXAO5. Travel insurance is one of the documents that may be required for your entry into Europe, click here to learn more.
TICKETS: 5% off tickets, tours, and experiences sold on Tiqets using the code CONEXAOPARIS, click here to access the website.