A Female

OK, Capo, it is the three of us in Paree, isn't there a phrase for that?

Capo

A "threeparee"? :~) <BR> <BR>And that reminds me...what do you call three Johns in Paris? A troislette.

s.fowler

It's a menage a trois <BR> <BR>But for that pun Capo... I just don't know..... you DO have a day job right?

Capo

Yes Sally, I DEUX have a day job. :~)

janis

As everyone else has said - Simplicity, quality, perfect fit and impecable grooming. Even "ugly" french women are striking and actually attractive. They dress and act "classy". <BR> <BR>I try but just can't manage as well. But at least I don't go to Paris w/ a fanny pack, nikes, backpack and false fingernails painted bright orange.

BTilke

I won't deny that in general, the French make wiser food choices than the average American, but... <BR>I recently had to interview several French health professionals and they said (off the record) that bulimia has become a big problem in France among young women who feel pressured to stay thin, although very few will admit it publicly. That and the abuse of laxatives and diet pills. It's the dark side of the chic and slim look. <BR>BTilke <BR>P.S. And for what it's worth, I see plenty of overweight Brits, Belgians, Germans, and even French...

Ursula

... and Swiss!

Gigi

The French are beautiful. The Italians are magnificent! I think they have even more flair and style than French women. <BR>

Surlok

I agree that it's the general attitude overall, what includes a dressing style, the right haircut, hair color, make up, and those little details as heeled shoes, (never sneakers unless they are jogging, and seldom flat shoes), and the right scarf and earrings. Add to this a light walk, short steps, and a flair... <BR> <BR>Surlok

Lulu

Thanks Mimi, went out and bought Victoria, thank you, thank you.

Anon

Ditto - I bought the Victoria issue at lunch today. I can't wait to read it on my way home!

Judy

Hi Charlie, the best fashion tip I picked up in France, is to try to never wear my scarf, blacks, heeled shoes, et al to the malls! I would get some major looks from all the soccer moms at the malls! IMO, some of the Parisian women have an "elan" that is difficult to pull off here in the US....and I don't know if "it" would go over to big here in Hotlanta. <BR>BTW, I kind of like MY style (whatever it is)! Judy

Capo

Surlok, regarding your comment about heeled shoes vs. sneakers & flat shoes... back when I used to be on Usenet, I recall someone's comment in the rec.travel.europe newsgroup. It was, of course, a major generalization, but they said something like "A Parisienne would never sacrifice fashion for comfort." <BR> <BR>A "light walk and short steps", eh? Perhaps that's a better way of describing it than my choice of the word "glide"...thanks. Either way, it seems to be a more graceful way of walking, and I see this in the men as well as the women (in general.) <BR> <BR>By the way, I think it <I>was</I> Giorgio Armani who made that comment about always wearing a black t-shirt. I found this item on a website talking about the opening of two of his new boutiques in New York City: "Wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers, Mr. Armani stood at the door and greeted more than 1,000 guests..."

Elan Challenged

I don't remember the way French women tie their scarves. Is it in the front or back or side? Large ones or handkerchief size? What kind of knots? <BR>I have so many scarves but I don't think I tie them right at all, I just feel like a Girl Scout!

Surlok

There's not such a thing as a prime to teach someone how to wear a scarf. They come in many styles, colors, prints and sizes. How to wear them, and which one is the right one, to match the outfit you're wearing, is a matter of style... <BR> <BR>Nearly all parisian women know what fit them well_ the rest of us have still to learn... It might be mostly achieved by being a good observer, but is also a matter of self awareness, knowing your stronger, or better assets, and your weak points, enhancing what is good, concealing what is not so good.. For example, if your neck is long and thin, there won't be a problem wearing any scarf, of any style, but if your neck is short, or large..would all scarves, and styles of wearing it fit you well? I don't think so. <BR> <BR>Surlok

mimi taylor

if you are near an Hermes shop, they have a brochure on the different ways to tie scarves. When I was younger and thinner , I would fold the square in half creating a pyramid.The two corners that are now the peak of the pyramid are tie behind your neck. The bottom left aand right are tied behind your back, I hope I have made this clear, but the scarf must be as large as a hermes or gucci. I only have two but I have been wearing them for years. This works for a halter top with skirts, shorts pants, and for work when I didn't have a blouse to match my suits. Like the Pareo, fantastic for packing light. I hope you bought the Victoria magazine. I checked out the websites oof the two places that take guests.

Elan

Thanks, Mimi, but, gasp, I think I just hung myself.

mimi taylor

Elan, Thank you. It has been such a terrible day here, the rain, lightening and thunder has caused my poor blind dog to be so upset, plus I couldn't get on line for hours and when I read your post I laughed ...thanks...mim

Surlok

Capo, <BR> <BR>I guess you described the way French women walk better than I did, except that I tried to find out how they do it, but I'm wrong, since "Manhatanners", on their way to work, also walk very quickly, and since they often wear heels ( when their heels aren't in their bags and they wear sneakers in the subway..), their steps are also short, but they are far from walking as lightly as Parisians do. Indeed, gliding is much more appropriate to describe <BR>the way they walk. <BR> <BR> <BR>Surlok

Puma

Surlok Holmes, <BR>only Japaneese women glide, Frech women slink. and American woman clobber along.