Faire de la Mode in France! Parisienne Style

Me at the top of  the Avenue des Champs-Elysees aka Fashion Heaven!

 J'aime Paris! I've just returned from living in this fashion capital and I must admit I LOVED the food, the people, the shopping and most of all the style! What sets Parisienne style apart from the style here in North America? Here are my top 4 Paris style notes:

 





1. Style without effort: The try-hard look is a huge faux-pas in Paris. Looking too done or following the latest fashion from head to toe is simply not done (think Jersey Shore). And no sweatpants or hoodies here either. Even if you are going around the corner for a baguette, outfits are well put together, effortless and chic.   


 2. Anti-Slave to Fashion: Parisiennes aren't concerned with the latest fashion or fashion idols but more interested in classic looks and colour combinations that look good on their bodies. Confidence and feeling good about what you are wearing trumps who wore what, on the runway.


 


3. Anti-Matchy Matchy: Parisiennes aren't too concerned with whether their shoes match their bags. More emphasis is placed on the overall look. I saw alot of unexpected colour combinations that just worked! Like brown, grey and red or navy, white and tan. Don't be afraid to mix it up! 






  


4. Anti-Bling Bling: Parisiennes aren't into walking around with a designer's name emblazoned across their chests (or worse yet their bums). Nor will see you a true Parisienne with a ring on every finger, or tons of bracelets, earrings and necklaces. When it comes to jewellery it's more about one statement piece like a gold cuff or a jewelled necklace. During the day you'll more likely see her wearing a man's watch on one hand and a few thin charm bracelets on the other. 

 A word on skincare:  It may not come as a surprise to you that Parisienne women take excellent care of their skin. The french are skin experts (think about the leading skincare brands: Lancome, Dior, Clarins, L'oreal, Sephora etc. French, French, French!) and it shows. Parisienne beauty is not about piling on layers of makeup and covering up so called "imperfections". Its about enhancing what you have - with an emphasis on healthy, glowing, sexy skin. Weekly masks, properly removing makeup and a good moisturizer are all necessary elements of the Parisienne beauty regimen.