What's with all the snobbery regarding fashion?
May 21st, 2005, 10:24 AM
#41
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NYFS, maybe you made friends with the same lady who worked at my hotel in Florence. She came into work wearing wonderfully fitted dresses then changed into work attire which looked universally border line frumpish. You could still see her beautiful shape under the uniform though, think Sophia as a waitress.
I still say these are city folk, if you go out into the smaller towns and rural areas you get the same chopped hairdos, clean but semi-frumpish clothes that you can see anywhere else in the world.
One thing I do notice though they know when they have "outgrown" an outfit. I rarely see an European woman with ill fitting or too tight clothes. The exception to that is the eternal plumber cheek's pants on the working men.
I still say these are city folk, if you go out into the smaller towns and rural areas you get the same chopped hairdos, clean but semi-frumpish clothes that you can see anywhere else in the world.
One thing I do notice though they know when they have "outgrown" an outfit. I rarely see an European woman with ill fitting or too tight clothes. The exception to that is the eternal plumber cheek's pants on the working men.
May 21st, 2005, 11:28 AM
#42
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I make it a rule to never discuss fashion with anyone who thinks it's all right to wear clothing having the manufacturer's name visible.
Maybe the reason Europeans can tell you're American is because your shirt shouts <b>DKNY</b> in six-inch block letters?
Maybe the reason Europeans can tell you're American is because your shirt shouts <b>DKNY</b> in six-inch block letters?
May 21st, 2005, 11:49 AM
#43
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<i>"...much of the fashion snobbery here on fodors does seem to be connected to name designers."</i>
And names without photos are useless because everyone knows no designer hits the mark with each and every garment. I'm all for giving credit where credit is due but relying only on "names" often suggests to me a lack of knowledge as opposed to command of the subject.
The wonderful thing about Italy and France, you can always find no-name items that really are very, very special and can't be found anywhere else. I get compliments on mine all the time. There's good reason why shopping is so much fun in these two countries.
September in Paris ought to provide much to see, Marilyn. I'm glad you're going at this great time of year. I have a feeling your eyes will be attracted to the most stylish of the masses and your reaction will make a fun read.
Granted it was the late 70's but Florence Nightingale was no exception and there are many more like her to this very day. Like I keep saying, it's a cultural thing and Europeans love their traditions. SeaUrchin is correct about the "city" thing but even in the country, specifically Provence and Tuscany, small-town folk often dress up for their evening stroll and Sunday Mass is a veritable fashion show. What a lovely feast for the eyes!
And names without photos are useless because everyone knows no designer hits the mark with each and every garment. I'm all for giving credit where credit is due but relying only on "names" often suggests to me a lack of knowledge as opposed to command of the subject.
The wonderful thing about Italy and France, you can always find no-name items that really are very, very special and can't be found anywhere else. I get compliments on mine all the time. There's good reason why shopping is so much fun in these two countries.
September in Paris ought to provide much to see, Marilyn. I'm glad you're going at this great time of year. I have a feeling your eyes will be attracted to the most stylish of the masses and your reaction will make a fun read.
Granted it was the late 70's but Florence Nightingale was no exception and there are many more like her to this very day. Like I keep saying, it's a cultural thing and Europeans love their traditions. SeaUrchin is correct about the "city" thing but even in the country, specifically Provence and Tuscany, small-town folk often dress up for their evening stroll and Sunday Mass is a veritable fashion show. What a lovely feast for the eyes!
May 21st, 2005, 12:02 PM
#46
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Perhaps I will even manage a few clandestine photos, NYCFS. I sure do agree about that. Not only do the designers not always "hit the mark," but even when they do, not everyone is going to look good in those fashions.
Personally I think most people look a lot better in clothes that are flattering on them than in the latest fashion, whatever it might be. There are the lucky few who can wear anything, but I've never been one of them, so I make the best with what I've got. As much as I love some styles, I've learned to "just say no."
Personally I think most people look a lot better in clothes that are flattering on them than in the latest fashion, whatever it might be. There are the lucky few who can wear anything, but I've never been one of them, so I make the best with what I've got. As much as I love some styles, I've learned to "just say no."
May 21st, 2005, 12:13 PM
#47
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The fashion mavens must not use the metro...full of working stiffs with scuffed shoes that don't coordinate with their clothes, clothes that don't coordinate with each other, and usually no cosmetics relief at all.
I actually think noticably stylish Parisians are in the vast minority, at during the day.
This still does not mean a visitor's white sneaks will go unnoticed.
I actually think noticably stylish Parisians are in the vast minority, at during the day.
This still does not mean a visitor's white sneaks will go unnoticed.
May 21st, 2005, 12:14 PM
#48
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Fashion is not the same thing as style.
Women who do wear high fashion cannot wear it all. Some hate the flashy D&G, Pucci. A stylish lady knows what looks good on her whether it's those trendy Indian Mocs so popular at the moment in Paris. She can wear those mocs forever as they are a classic but not her gypsy skirts that will give way to some other cut. Like the French, you must invest with quality and fewer pieces. If you see something you like and it doesn't fit well have a dressmaker adjust it to your body. That is the French secret.
Many never wear heels.
Women who do wear high fashion cannot wear it all. Some hate the flashy D&G, Pucci. A stylish lady knows what looks good on her whether it's those trendy Indian Mocs so popular at the moment in Paris. She can wear those mocs forever as they are a classic but not her gypsy skirts that will give way to some other cut. Like the French, you must invest with quality and fewer pieces. If you see something you like and it doesn't fit well have a dressmaker adjust it to your body. That is the French secret.
Many never wear heels.
