Simon

<BR>Karin,<BR><BR>I rate my manners at FAIR to GOOD.<BR>Wouldn't call them REALLY GOOD.<BR>Definitely not qualified at REALLY, REALLY good.<BR><BR>What kind of time will I have in Paris?

karin

simon....... the french are far more formal than americans (especially west coast) i had a hard time finding anyone to be rude to me last month...<BR>you will have a wonderful time.

Sarah

Well, as I read the posts, i see a consensus - nice black bag. Coach has come up several times. I will be going for the first time in Feb also. My hubby insists on me taking a &quot;fanny pack&quot; - safety issue. I wanted to take my coach leather black bag, but I gave in for a couple of reasons. The first is that I thought that it drizzled a lot in Feb and I don’t want to ruin my bag. Second, although I know Paris is a relatively safe city, I am cautious about pickpockets. Although, now I am thinking that if I want to blend, and hopefully deter pickpockets, I should take a bag – less conspicuous. I have lived in South America for many years, so I know how to carry a purse in a big city. <BR><BR>So would it be more practical, in terms of looking less conspicuous, to take a bag or safer to take a fanny pack?<BR>

karin

sarah... drizzles all the time in paris..summer/winter...<BR><BR>i have a big black leather bag with two zippers (allowing the bag to opened from left to right or right to left....) i put an american diaper pin ( sigh...not chic ) thru the holes in the two zipper heads...this makes it almost impossible for someone on a crowded metro to open it... be careful with a fanny pack worn to the back. paris is probably safer than large american cities...

jen

Emma, wear whaqtever you like - it seems you have good sense already - and buy a beautiful big scarf when you get to Paris. You'll feel great.

yyy

Wearing a fanny-pack is tantamount to screaming &quot;I'm a tourist! Rob me!!&quot;<BR>Carry a bag and keep it tightly under your arm on crowded streets or metros.

sarah

Thanks for the advice. I am not a &quot;fanny pack&quot; kinda' gal anyway and was looking for any excuse not to take one.

Christina

People wear everything in Paris, however you can always spot an American with white tennis shoes. If you are going to wear them buy dark shoes. I'd also suggest wearing a scarf there because they all wear them (men and women)

take your purse

I have only been to Europe four times, but always use my normal good leather pocketbook from home. Never had a problem. It is what I'm used to using, and as mentioned, I know how to carry it in a city.<BR><BR>Skip the fanny pack idea*!* Just asking for trouble. If paranoid about safety of cash, credit cards, etc. then a money belt worn under clothing and not to be accessed in public works fine.

NYGirl

If you go with Coach, get the Station Bag, long strap, goes across your chest.(the strap unlatches so you can carry it as a hand bag at night) No one can get into that bag without your help . And it looks good, as will anything BUT a fanny pack.<BR>Let your husband wear one if he is all fired up about them<BR>You have gotten some good tips here. Women are so helpful when it comes to shopping, packing, looking good! Aren't we cool?

Leigh

Just asking one more time: Are black boots and bag acceptable mid to late April? If not, what is?<BR><BR><BR>

xxx

Leigh, did you not look at the responses that mention to wear what you want and I will add wear it when you want also. There is NO dress code in Paris and no dress code per season. What would you think would happen to you if you wear black boots and carry a black bag after mid-April? They'd have you deported?

Terri

All I can say is: black, black and black...if you want to add some color think in terms of various shades of gray. That's all I saw and in March with my black pants, my gray turtle neck and my long black coat, I felt like I fit right in.

Lisa

<BR>Leigh:<BR>Black boots &amp; bag are acceptable year-round in France, Switz., Germany. You will look like a local.<BR><BR>Black boots with jeans or black pants are GREAT!<BR>

Cindy

I am a NYC girl and you can dress the same in Paris except no sneakers, unless of course they are the only comfortable shoes you own. The best investment you could make once you are there is to find a Mephisto's store .There is a store in the Saint Germain area. Your hotel should be able direct you. Also Arche is another shoe that is extremely comfortable and a little more stylish.They are the most comfortable shoes and people buy multiples at the much lower prices there. I think they are 1/2 the price. A great blazer with a shell and jeans fits in well there also. In the evening, depending on where you go you could wear a simple black dress, skirt, tank and sweater or jeans,blazer and heals. Boots would be great if you have them both high an low. Have a great time!!!

Sandy

Leigh--<BR><BR>Yes, black leather everthing, well into May-early June--Have Fun --PS I've never been to Paris in the summer,(June-thru Aug.) but please tell me everyone, what type of comfortable shoes; that aren't white sneakers, do you wear, in summer for touring the sites? I've traveled all over other parts of Europe in the summer &amp; wear good quality, but always white tennis shoes with my shorts, in the summer. No unly American, here!!

lisa

<BR>Most European grown ups do not wear shorts at all - especially the women. Women wear capri pants or skirts with sandals.