. . . and how to look like a Parisian. Here
I was in Paris in September and the key to looking like a Frenchwoman is scarves. Artfully tied.
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Incredibly useful article about shopping in Paris
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Because you can't have depths without surfaces.
Linda Grant, thinking about clothes, books and other matters.
Linda Grant, thinking about clothes, books and other matters.
About me
Linda Grant is a novelist and journalist. She won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2000 and the Lettre Ulysses Prize for Literary Reportage in 2006. She writes for the Guardian, Telegraph and Vogue. Her latest novel, The Clothes on Their Backs was shortlisted for the 2008 Man Booker Prize. For further information including upcoming literary festivals bookstore readings etc see her website at www.lindagrant.co.uk
My other blog
Buchmendel - some words from books
Books by Linda Grant
- The Thoughtful Dresser Non-Fiction 2009)
- For further information see www.linda.grant.co.uk
- The Clothes on Their Backs (Fiction 2008)
- The People on the Street (Winner of the Lettre Ulysses Prize for Literary Reportage 2006)
- Still Here (Fiction 2002)
- When I Lived in Modern Times (Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2000)
- Remind Me Who I Am Again (Non-fiction 1998)
- The Cast Iron Shore (Fiction 1996)
- Sexing the Millenium (Non-Fiction 1993)
This blog believes
'A good handbag makes the outfit.'
'Only the rich can afford cheap shoes'
'The only thing worse than being skint is looking as if you're skint.'
'A new dress is a great help in all circumstances.' (Noel Streatfeild)
'The only true and lasting meaning of the struggle for life lies in the individual, in his modest peculiarities and his right to these peculiarities.' (Vasily Grossman, Life and Fate.)
'Only the rich can afford cheap shoes'
'The only thing worse than being skint is looking as if you're skint.'
'A new dress is a great help in all circumstances.' (Noel Streatfeild)
'The only true and lasting meaning of the struggle for life lies in the individual, in his modest peculiarities and his right to these peculiarities.' (Vasily Grossman, Life and Fate.)
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5 comments:
Oh, to be able to have a personal shopper in Paris...
Was amused to read that my own style M.O. (inexpensive basic clothing, more upscale accessories) was considered "French." I've also become quite addicted to scarves ever since our Paris trip last year, and have become more comfortable experimenting with them.
Wait a little minute, I'm paying somebody to dress me like a Bulgarian geography teacher? If it's on my nickel, I expect her to "get" me in about 80 seconds, and then take me to wonderful places I'm unlikely to find, not Theory and the feeding frenzy that is Colette. The outcome is not impressive for a five-hour trawl of the 6e and 1e, where you can practically close your eyes and hit a chic shop.
When I moved to Paris in the late 1990's my French fiance told me that everyone would immediately recogize me as non French. But what actually happened was that French people from outside of Paris used to come up to me and ask directions thinking that I was the typical Parisian woman.
I don't know what it was, because I was typically better dressed that the average Parisienne. I think it was something about my attitude...perhaps it was because in my heart I felt that I belonged there.
I think that if you need a personal shopper in Paris you aren't adventurous enough because there are great stores everywhere. On the other hand it can sometimes be a bit difficult to shop there. Even I who spoke French had it out with a few shop girls who were a little unclear on what customer service meant!
I'd rather buy my clothes and accessories here (not to mention the low value of the dollar) and spend my moeney in cafes, bistros and restaurants in France.
Speaking of great stores in France, Amy Alkon has commented on one of my favorite stores, Monoprix which is sort of like the Target of France. You can buy everything from food to toothpaste to cashmire sweaters in one store. Perfect if you don't time to go store by store.
also try here:
http://badaude.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/x-mc2.html
+ ibid (more or less)
xb
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