I have just returned from a short stay in Paris and am feeling super inspired by the French lifestyle. The elegance and sophistication of the street style there is very different. While London is renowned for it’s laid back, bit scruffy, ‘last minute’ look (as I like to call it), Paris achieves an understated chic that displays luxury and quality.
I didn’t see two women wearing the same handbags or coats while I was there. However, in London and Ireland, we tend to be clones of one another. We all shop in the same places and buy the same things. Parisian women are all about quality – everything looks expensive, which I am sure it can’t all be as I am speaking about women in their early twenties. It has really opened my eyes to the importance of carefully choosing great bags, jackets and shoes especially for winter time. I do get the feeling that Parisian women are more inhibited and this is reflected in their colour palettes but I think we could all definitely learn a thing or two from them.
I went to a club called The Social Club which was pretty cool but I was taken aback by what the girls wore there. No body con dresses which we see way too much of here in the UK – mostly flat shoes, skinny jeans and casual smart tops. I guess some might say that’s boring but again, I do think there is something to be said for understated style. Most of us can’t walk properly in the heels that are sold on the high street so I do think it’s worthwhile to look to our European counterparts and learn that less can be more.
Of course it helps that the backdrop of the city itself is so ornate and elegant. I wish I had lots of money to shop there and show you what I bought but *sigh* I had little funds to get me further than a chocolate viennois and a crepe noisette. Also please note, there ain’t no such thing as a ‘mocha’ in France. Where did this come from?!
Here is a little selection of scenery from Paris you might enjoy…
My outfit in the above photo: Jacket – H&M, Faux fur collar – Urban Outfitters, Top – Topshop, Skirt – Miss Patina, Tights – Topshop, Bag – H&M, Shoes – Vintage.
Where have you been in the world that influenced you style wise or where you noticed the fashion being much different to where you live?
Sarah xx
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