down these chic streets; Tina Isaac, an American in Paris, was never much of a consumer-that is, until she was asked to turn pro.

Byline: Tina Isaac

Some of us are born to shop, and a dedicated few raise it to a championship sport. Others-rattled by sensory overload or wary of crowds- procrastinate, then charge out, strike, and run. Mine is a split personality: When it comes to shoes or handbags, I know how to operate; if undressing is involved, I wait.

Living in Paris for years has not changed me. At first I didn't have the money; later I didn't have the time. My idea of a shopping excursion was to overspend on a few key pieces at Le Bon Marche, wear them to death, fill in the blanks at Zara as needed, and venture out again when the situation became desperate or a special occasion required. Window-shopping was one of my favorite sports, but actually trying on the clothes was stressful.

And then I was hired as the Paris editor for the 2005 edition of Where to Wear, the "insider's fashion bible." I would be paid to shop, to dally in stores as I never had before. I was thrilled. Visions of the avenue Montaigne danced in my head.

January 17

My editor is in town. We meet for an aperitif at the Lancaster and pretend not to notice that Viktor and Rolf are here, too, politely indulging a loud gentleman. We sink into our seats and order another round to toast our collaboration.

My editor brings me back to Earth: "You'll never make it if you try to do this on your own." My deadline is June 1.