PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, DON'T YOU THINK?
Back in November 2018, my best friend and I went to Paris for a girls’ holiday. We were celebrating our 40 years of friendship and what a better place than Paris to celebrate that special occasion?
So meet Denise, my wonderful friend. Our friendship is special and this trip was priceless!! My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me!
Cheers from Paris
When we were very young, we played at catwalk modelling and would let our creativity just run wild. We would style ourselves with crazy outfits, hairstyles and make up but we never dreamt in a million years that we would be, one day, celebrating our friendship in the fashion capital of the world. So this was pretty special!
Whilst enjoying all the different tourist attractions, we talked a lot about fashion. We discussed how our tastes have evolved and changed and how it has stayed the same with certain things. The interesting thing was to discover what had influenced us from our own culture, travels, lifestyle, style and fashion influences. I moved away from my home country to live in the UK 21 years ago and since then have been more exposed to the European fashion which certainly has influenced my style. I suppose I had to leave my tropical style behind and adapt and learn new styles.
Paris claims to be the world’s style capital so I decided to observe the Parisians’ fashion in loco and here are my 5 observations:
1. Oversized Coats
There is something dramatically chic about the way French women wear their oversized coats without looking frumpy. It is all about the details, big buttons, contrasting colours, pattern and always long (below the knee).
2. Scarves
I felt at home in Paris! Scarves are not a fashion but a rule! By now you probably know about my scarf obsession, so much so that I created a hashtag #scarfculture.
Long, chunky, silky, squared, blanket, you name it and the French women wear it.
Talking to a French lady in the underground, I discovered that French women wear scarves whatever the season, what changes is the type of scarf and the weight; quite understandable, as you wouldn’t want to wear a woolly heavy scarf in the spring or summer.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, scarves are quite a normal trend in Europe especially during the winter but there is something special about the way French women wear a scarf, it just seems quite effortless; whatever they throw around their neck always seem to look a match made in heaven with the rest of the outfit.
Oppsss I had to get a Paris printed scarf.... another one for the collection
3. Handbags
Although it seems that French women enjoy their oversized coats, jackets and scarves, the oversize statement does not translate to their handbags. Most of the women proudly carried a small handbag, sometimes quite mini, on the verge of being a miniature. I would love to find out how all the handbag essentials fit in a small handbag. I would surely struggle with the mini handbags.
4. Accessories
Accessories are used as statement items to bring the outfit to life. French women are able to make a statement with a simple bracelet, sunglasses or earring. Wearing multiple jewellery items didn’t seem to be on the menu of accessories. It is all based on elegance and on the design!
Most women were wearing accessories that perfectly complemented the outfit without distracting from it. The motto for accessories can easily be defined as less is more. Simplicity is definitely the name of the game.
5. Shoes
French women definitely stick to the classic style when it comes to shoes. High heels are not necessarily a definition of elegance. Flat shoes or kitten heels can also play that role very well. Certainly forget high heels with the super mini skirts.
Another interesting fact I observed is that sneakers go with almost anything, from mini skirts, to maxi dress, jeans and even classic tailoring.
In general, I noted a few basic styles (not necessary rules):
Mini (very mini) skirts = flat shoes, sneakers
Mini / mid skirts or just above the knee = both flat or block heels seem to be the top tip. Sneakers also seem to be quite popular.
Mid / long skirts or dresses = high heels. This can come in all different shapes of heels. Believe it or not but sneakers also have a place here.
My conclusion of the street Parisians’ fashion is that you shouldn’t underestimate the power of classic items and a stylish winter coat.
But there is more to Paris than meet the eyes. Paris is the centre of the Universe... its art, sculptures, churches, music, architecture, food and the lights .... ah Just Paris will have all these things in one place!
You know, I sometimes think, how is anyone ever gonna come up with a book, or a painting, or a symphony, or a sculpture that can compete with a great city. You can’t. Because you look around and every street, every boulevard, is its own special art form and when you think that in the cold, violent, meaningless universe that Paris exists, these lights. I mean come on, there’s nothing happening on Jupiter or Neptune, but from way out in space you can see these lights, the cafés, people drinking and singing. For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe. -Owen Wilson
So, meet me in Paris next time …
Best wishes,
