GUDDE MOIEN

D’KLEEDER MAACHEN D’LEIT! (Paris – part 2)

I am not a fan of fast fashion chains (I highly recommend reading "Overdressed" by Elizabeth L. Cline) à la H&M, Forever21, Old Navy, Zara, etc. For one, the ethical issues (pollution, toxic chemicals, labor rights and conditions…) are hard to ignore. Moreover, I prefer investing in my wardrobe, making sure my garments have a great fit and stand the test of time. Quality over quantity!

This said, if you are on a budget, shopping at a value retailer is often a solution and truth be told, at some point or another, most of us have bought inexpensive staples. The trick is to find items that hold their shape, don't shrivel or fall apart after the first washing/dry-cleaning and are able to endure a few fashion cycles. Enter Massimo Dutti (owned by Zara's parent company Inditex).

I visited their Champs-Elysées location and was pleasantly surprised:

a) Gorgeous window displays; an inviting, sleek store design

b) Staff was extraordinarily nice and helpful

c) Large selection of clothing, footwear and accessories (men, women, kids)

d) Free tailoring on full priced items

e) The clothing is on trend rather than trendy, very wearable and well-made (high-end fabrics f.ex. cashmere, silk, etc. but not top quality (there is a reason why a Loro Piana sweater retails for $600+) and all within a comfortable price range ($100+ sweater and shirts; $200+ blazers; $300+ coats)

From a stylistic point of view, Massimo Dutti is a cross between Banana Republic (classic cuts) and J.Crew (colors and choice) paired with an European sensibility.

I bought a tweed & leather jacket and a silk tunic and wore them later in the evening to great acclaim. While I might not become a regular Massimo Dutti customer, I will definitely check out their recently opened Midtown NYC store  (their first venture in the US) and the exclusive-to-NYC limited edition collection. 

Massimo Dutti currently has over 270 stores in 23 countries. 
Luxembourg location: 37, Grand Rue, Luxembourg-Ville 

If you don't have a boutique in your area, shop online. 

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page on October 19, 2012)