La Parisienne
When I imagine a quintessential Parisienne moderne style, this is exactly what comes to mind. Simple, distilled, a fabulous mix of soft and structured, feminine and masculine elements, utterly chic.
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It’s a look that works for a very tall, slim almost lanky sort of woman.
And of course, still smoking!
True. I certainly couldn’t wear that much volume.
Our last trip to Paris was after the indoor café smoking ban, and it was much more pleasant than the first time, when we kept getting stuck next to people who chain-smoked through the entire meal.
Ca, c’est strict! To quote Billy Joel, “all you need are looks and a whole lot of money.”
Her new (personal and professional) collaboration) with Scott Schuman, “The Sartorialist” will enhance her rep as photographer.
When friends ask me how not to look “like a tourist”, these photos will be instructive: neutrals, relaxed accessories, no head to toe designer, no logos; this is ‘strict’.
Les images sont vraiment dans le style d’une parisienne! Et bien sûr les vêtements sont en couleurs foncées!
Ah,can’t help sighing at this. I love this look and also immediately recognize what Imogen notes — suits tall, slim, lanky — pretty much my opposite.
Still, elements worth observing — interplay of neutrals, clean lines, yet relaxed, good fabric.
Much less easier to achieve, it seems to me, in June when temperatures soar and I’m walking the Paris streets all day, but I’ll be trying.
And sighing. . .
Lovely.
The smoking would drive Miss J insane.
I like all the looks save the last one. That coat looks a little too Eileen Fischery for me.
She is the quintessential Parisienne in my mind, too. Sigh.
I love her hair.
dana – well, those certainly help!
;-p
Duchesse – it’s funny, I didn’t think “strict” at first because of the volume of some of her pieces. But you’re right.
à la Parisienne – oui, j’aime bien les couleurs foncées, nottamment le gris.
materfamilias – I can think of ways to incorporate some of these concepts in warm-weather clothes…a nice grey tee, a slouchy (but well tailored) pair of chinos…
LBR – that’s my least favorite as well. The first one (brown) is my favorite.
Sal – I think it’s bred in the bone with these Parisiennes…
Miss Janey – fortunately now due to the indoor smoking bans, it’s MUCH less obnoxious. To me though, un peu de fumé is part of what makes Paris, Paris.
Leanne – frankly, I’m with you. I don’t mind a little pop of color here and there, but I’m most at home in my dark neutrals.
Bonjour Madame – it’s a lovely mane, isn’t it?
This makes me feel so much better about my wardrobe comprised of 90% black, grey, and beige. It’s what I love, but I think there’s a certain American “thing” that you must wear cheerful happy colors. Meh, I say. Although I’d never turn my nose up at a dash of chartreuse…
Less than three months to my first trip!
These are really nice photos and I agree with Leann. My clothes run to these neutral colors, too, and I don’t always feel they’re very interesting in the American aesthetic.
Do you think the French use the cigarette as a fashion accessory? Could I use one of those bubble-gum cigarettes I used to buy as a kid?
SundayBest – you are going to LOVE Paris! I’m so excited for you! Just remember, the Berthillon ice cream is worth the wait in line.
Sallymandy – your “bubblegum cigarette” comment gave me a chuckle. I actually passed a kiosk at the mall yesterday where they were selling “electronic” cigarettes, that look like a cigarette, supposedly taste like one to the user, but don’t put out any smoke. Maybe we can pose with one of those? 😉
C’est une Parisienne des beaux quartiers. Although there is still less overweight and obesity in Paris than in North America (even here in Québec with similar genes) and in much of Northern Europe, not everyone in Paris is arrow-slim, and “lanky” is not a descriptor I’d use for the average Frechwoman of any age or social class.
What is definitely Parisian is the dark or neutral colours, including beautiful greys, and having fewer clothes of better quality – though throwaway fashion is making inroads there as well.
SundayBest, there is so much to see in Paris that you should read up first on aspects and neighbourhoods you find most interesting to explore.
It is interesting that the style documented here would still look really terrific today, yet the woman in the photos is always chasing new styles, promoting new trends. Her looks here resonate as a mission accomplished (personal style defined!) but for her perhaps they were merely a passing fad.