on wanting to buy a chic watch at the newly opened chic department store in the center of chic paris, la samaritaine

My latest Fitbit watch seemed a bit dépassé, as one would say in French, a bit old fashioned, and I was looking for something—what?—a bit more eye catching, something that might cause a pedestrian, walking by, to stop and think or maybe even exclaim, “Say what!!!?”

My cargo pants are a bit warn, frayed around the ankles, after several years of use. One zipper will close a pocket half way. A stain near the waist line is hardly noticeable. It came from a wonderful meal at a Michelin reviewed restaurant, not a starred one, which would have made it—the stain—even more memorable. Consequently, I needed an upgrade to my wardrobe.

And, as long as I was considering new pants, a good shirt could be purchased, with a label that was worthy of leaving above the collar, accidentally, of course. Not that I would want to drop names, but if I was going to spend a few bucks on some clothes, I might as well express some pride in my attire.

I was not sure that I would wear my new wardrobe out the store. What would I do with my pants that has a small hole near the left top pocket where the boxers show when I walk too fast? I did not want to wrap my bundle of clothes and put them under my arms. I might look like a homeless person. I might look like I was shoplifting.

My intention then was to look for a Gucci bag, maybe one with Tom Wood’s name on it. If he made bags. With his name on them. Does Prada sell bags big enough for my old clothes, I wondered?  (Click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. Cliquez sur une vignette pour l’agrandir.) 

But all my plans fell apart when I began shopping for that watch. One must have the priorities straight.

Thus, with good intentions I went shopping at La Samaritaine in the center of Paris. J’ai voulu être habillé avec chic. Or something close to it.

For those who are not in the know, who shop at Macy’s or Meier & Frank or Penny’s and have not really lived life to its fullest, La Samaritaine is a large, expensive boutique store with many boutiques inside it in the center of one the most chic cities in the world.  (Click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. Cliquez sur une vignette pour l’agrandir.)

Someone told me, “Samaritaine, the temple of Parisian lifestyle, will propose unrivaled brands covering luxury fashion, fine jewelry and watches, accessories and exclusive designers’ items, the largest beauty section in Europe and an authentic French culinary experience.”

So, as I mentioned, I went shopping for the watch first. That was crucial. How could I plan to buy a pair of pants and a shirt and, did I mention some shoes, without knowing what the watch would look like?  (Click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. Cliquez sur une vignette pour l’agrandir.)

I found the watch. I should say watches, because I saw several and could not make up mind which one to buy. The favorite cost 44,300 €, but I did not care for the band. A less expensive one for 28,000 € had a charming band, but no one wanted to exchange them. Besides my Fitbit watch has a leather band, like the ones I saw on my favorite watches, and it is now held together (secretly) with a small piece of duct tape.  (Click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. Cliquez sur une vignette pour l’agrandir.)

Unable to decide on the watch, I could not bring myself to purchase the other items. And, consequently, snowballing out of control, I could not buy that Gucci bag or even the one with Tom Wood’s name on it, if he made bags with his name on them.  (Click on any photo to see it larger and in more detail. Cliquez sur une vignette pour l’agrandir.)