Parisian Chic, Part II

I've read a comparison somewhere, stating that American women are like kindergartners compared to French women.  I think this is an apt comparison. Parisian style is legendary for a reason.  Parisian women seem to naturally ooze sex appeal, confidence, cigarette smoke; a certain je ne sais quois that permanently puts them miles ahead in the fashion world.  L.A. women are put together, but they are too put together.  Everything matches, everything is styled down to the manicured fingernails.  In some parts of this city, everyone has the same breast implants.  Parisian women seem to have an innate ability to style themselves to perfection with far less effort.  The difference is, Parisian women don't have to try so hard because they carry themselves so well, so that they wear the heck out of the clothes; not the other way around.

Here is a popular look that all the locals rocked during my recent trip:

In L.A., it's easy to forget that in other places in the world, actual seasons exist.  It was a bit of a shock for Steve and I to be dropped in Narnia-esue weather, but at least we go to see some cool winter fashion.

Everyone, men and women alike, cuffed their skinny jeans at the bottom 1-2 inches, and paired with either Converse hi tops (which are ridiculously expensive in Europe, around 70 euro per pair!) or Doc Martens or similar lace up ankle boots.  Scarves were a must.  Some of the cutest scarves I saw were on the men.

Two types of bags that I saw everywhere: Longchamp and the canvas messenger bag pictured above.  I remember reading about that bag in Parisian Chic, and forget the brand name.  It's def on my shopping list for my next trip there.  Steve and I agreed that we are going in the spring or summer next time.

Parisian Chic

I am currently suffering from vacation withdrawal, as Steve and I spent nearly two weeks in Paris and a week and a half in Barcelona.  I am a hopeless Francophile, and am yearning for the crepes, baguettes, cheese, and above all, the fashion from our time spent in Paris.

I borrowed a few books from Steve's mom, who is a fellow fashion maven.  The one that I referenced the most was a book called Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange.

Oh man, was this book on point.  Here is one of my favorite looks featured in it:

As soon as I saw this, I knew that I had to stop by Eric Bompard to pick up a staple navy sweater.  The store is right on the Champs Elysees.  After Steve and I made the obligatory stop at Laduree for macaroons, we swung by and each picked up beautiful cashmere sweaters. Here is what the stylish saleslady was wearing:

Beautiful blue EP sweater, matching polka dot scarf, gray skirt, and black tights and boots.  Basic, yet put together and effortlessly chic!  If I wasn't already sold on the sweater, that would have done it!

Here's my other fave look from the book:

Luckily, I already have a similar cardigan, dress, and bag.  Will def replicate for a future post!