Antoine et Lili

A quirkier, cooler, Parisian Lilly Pulitzer. In a surprising change of pace from the solid-color pastel storefronts facing Canal Saint-Martin, dresses and accessories at Antoine et Lili are actually evoke more sophistication in the form of fun *chinoise*-inspired prints. (Shops in the US could never get away with this design philosophy as they'd be beaten down by protests of cultural appropriation and political correctness). Conversely, the actual number of clothing designs is actually rather finite - variety consists of producing each tried-and-true pattern in a multitude of the aforementioned prints. Ultimately, these qualities allow for brightly colored clothing to be enjoyed outside of Lilly Pulitzer's Junior League and West Palm Beach retiree enthusiasts. As a bonus, VAT refunds are processed. Bring your non-EU passport.

I use to loathe the sight of these candy-colored boutiques. For me, they were a saccarine semaphore of the relentless bobofication of this part of the canal. That was, until motherhood hit! Call me a softie, a sell-out, a traitor to my roots, but I'm saying it loud and proud: I kind of really like Antoine et Lili. What did me in? The middle shop devoted to kids stuff. Right before my little tot was born I found an adorable patchwork stuffed elephant there that looks like a grandma sewed it together used retro pieces of fabric. I was bummed to find out that it wasn't one of a kind, however, but for 20E, I couldn't turn it down. I've since gone back on multiple occasions for other goodies, like a fabulous hand-crocheted rattle from Peru that is safe for babies to suck on, and these amazing unisex leather booties with Freddy Mercury pizazz. Each time I've gone in the staff has been super sweet and helpful and genuinely baby-friendly. So if you're looking for cute, affordable baby stuff, Antoine and Lili has got your candy-colored number..

Take a stroll by the Saint Martin Canal and you will undoubtedly run into a string of brightly colored shops--these are the boutiques of Antoine and Lili! This is well worth a destination trip, just for the shopping! There are three boutiques: one for housewares, one for children, and one for women's clothing and accessories. All of their merchandise is eclectic, creative, beautiful, sophisticated, yet whimsical. As an American in Paris, considerably taller than the average French woman, I struggle to find things that fit. At Antoine and lilies I am a perfect size in their T4. This last visit, I purchased four dresses, beautiful prints in Japanese raw silk. Truly unique, these will be pieces of my wardrobe I will treasure forever long after I leave Paris!

I always try to swing by here when I am in Paris, they have a great selection of unique items for the home, amazing christmas stuff and pillows etc. The prices are super reasonable.

Love this place! Incredible customer service, unique and trendy but classic clothing. Charming store! I wish I were closer!

I had a bright floral Antoine et Lilli dress from years ago that, whenever I wore it, people remarked how lively and feminine I looked. So sure, when I came back this time, I was so happy to find the shop again. Quirky and bright, the clothes also have a lot of style and interesting detail. No matter what kind of bad attitude you have, no matter how much your feet hurt from traipsing around Paris, once you enter the shop you will be thrust into a better headspace. Just because. The sales ladies aren't one bit pushy. But! I love that they will devote great interest into what looks good on you, and what doesn't. They would rather you walk away with nothing, than something that does not become you. This is a regular stop for me when in Paris, as much as I think THIS time, I will buy only black tailored things.

Self-important, snotty saleswoman. I had visited the Marais store and loved it and wanted to see this one as well. Found a lovely black coat I wanted to buy and started to try it on. The saleswoman pointed out that I could use the dressing room. When I told her I could just try it on near the clothing rack, she got indignant and offended and incredibly snooty and snotty, with that nose-in-the-air thing some people do. It was a coat for crying out loud; it wasn't as if I were disrobing in the streets. And even if that type of thing isn't done in Pairs (trying on coats outside the dressing room), a smart clerk interested in making a sale doesn't make a potential customer feel like something she stepped in for committing a small faux pas. Didn't she get that booklet the French government/tourism office put out last year to encourage hotel staff, taxi drivers, shop clerks, waiters, etc. to be kind to customers and tourists so that more tourist pounds and dollars would start flowing back into Paris? At any rate, I walked out. Didn't get the coat I really wanted and Antoine et Lili didn't get my money. Too bad for both of us. Good thing there are plenty of other places in Paris to shop and spend money where they appreciate your making the effort to stop in.