mimi taylor

That is the title of an article in today's N.Y.Times in the Style section.Also want to comment on another thread about men wearing jackets. In some of the top restaurands and bistros we saw alot of French men wearing attractive sweaters or shirts sans jacket.

londoner

Interesting article. I was in London recently and there were quite a few Americans about. I noticed many when we went to the theatre. The main thing about them is that you could only tell them by their accents because they were nornally dressed. On the whole the off-season variety are also much more quietly spoken and belong to the educated middle class. It was just once in Portobello Market that we saw the stereotypical article complete with water bottle (do they think London is in the Sahara?) white trainers and bumbags.

Sherman

Thanks, I finished reading that a few minutes ago. Mimi, didn't you think that photo of the group of Americans sprawled on the plaza is typical of our behavior that puts the locals off? And yee gads! Why go to Paris and shop at Gap? To each his own, I guess.

tcc

I saw that article as well. Thought it was also interesting to read about the "space" issue and how that can also describe who you are. I didn't realize that Americans tend to stand 4 to 7 feet apart when talking whereas Europeans cut the distance in half, but after I read it I nodded my head and said yes I can see that.

Sue

Hi, Mimi! Thanks for the tip on the article. I thought Sherman must be nuts about a picture because there was none; then I realized he must have seen the real thing (I'm stuck with the net version). <BR> <BR>I think it is funny how shoes are the key. I remember when I lived and worked in Paris in the 60s you could always tell the American businessmen because of their wing-tip shoes (and long, relatively baggy pants). But it didn’t matter that I was dressed in suits and heels, I was always spotted as an American. I asked a friend why and he said, "Because Americans are so open."

xxx

Shoes are always the number one give away. <BR>

sosickofthis

I have not read this article yet and don't know that I will, but isn't everyone on this board sick and tired of this already?! My god, especially now, don't we Americans have a hell of a lot more important things to worry about than what Europeans think of us?!?! <BR> <BR>I'm so tired of this stupid argument. I was in Italy recently and was amazed at how badly dressed many European tourists as well as native Italians were. I was also ashamed that I had allowed myself to believe the BS about Americans' way of dressing overseas. I was never able to pick out the Americans until they spoke. On the contrary, people I thought were American (and I'm now ashamed of myself for this) b/c they looked right out of a trailer park, turned out to be European. <BR> <BR>There are classy, well dressed people in the US and Europe, and there are low class trashy types in both as well. We AMericans only do ourselves a disservice when we begin to view ourselves in the stereotypical, and often incorrect or ignorant way, that many Europeans view us. Stop doing it! <BR> <BR>I am originally from NC, and now live in NY. I was personally laughing my ass off (inside of course) in Italy as not one, but 7 different Italians, male and female, mistook me for a native Italian (and one mistook me for French), though I have no Italian or French heritage. I was also relieved though that once they found out I was American, they did not act snobbishly toward me, but were friendly and in many cases said "America, great country." Agreed. <BR> <BR>

mol

Right on, honey. I couldnt agree more. I also want to add that America is such a diverse country, with so many different types of people, w. different ways of dressing and speaking, it is ludicrous to even attempt to stereotype the 'typical' American. I mean, my god, travel to the north and then the south of the US, and its like 2 different planets, let alone 2 regions of the same country! I think this escapes many Euruopeans who haven't traveled a lot in the US.

Howard

The last two posters have completely missed the point of the article, which was to discuss how--in light of the current world situation--Americans can avoid looking like Americans for their own safety! <BR>The article had nothing to do with what Europeans think of us!

I

Thanks for sharing the article. went out to buy the paper so I could see the pictures of the sprawlers which always annoyed me when I travelled.

Pat

Howard, you are missing the point. I just returned from Paris on Sept. 16. You can't disguise the fact that you're from the U.S. I have medium colored skin and hazel eyes and have been asked for directions and the time from people in every place I have traveled but never from the natives of that country. They know. I saw people with sneakers, etc. while I was in Paris, they were from everywhere but the U.S. <BR> <BR>Unless you carry a non U.S. passport and speak with an accent you will always be identified as an American.

Howard

I don't mean to sound argumentative, Pat, but I haven't missed the point! What you say could be true....but that's not the point of the article! If you've read the article, read it again!

John G

My friend, Eddy, who is tour guide in Italy says he can always spot the Americans. He says we have the most beautiful teeth in all the world.

patty

I read the article and I can dress up very nicely - if not heels then at least boots - I can stand closer to people and I can speak in low tones and impersonally. <BR> <BR>But, in Italy, women rarely walk alone? - as the article quoted an American woman living in Italy. No I can't do that, even at home! How do they manage that? Hey Marge it's your turn to come with me while I do my errands. Sergio (at least that's an Italian name!), walk me to my office then you can go to yours. Do you think that statement is anywhere near the truth?

Lisa

Americans are most definitely well dressed, clean, kind and generous. <BR>

Robert

Americans are probably the friendliest creatures on this planet. And I rank the Australians second. I happen to like the modern American attire, and their stimulating conversations.

Katy

Hi Everyone! Please, you all have sparked my curiosity. <BR>Where can I read this article? I live in Italy and can't get the paper that was mentioned, but can I find it online anywhere? <BR>Sure wish we could post it here, but has anyone posted it on any other site? <BR> <BR>P.S. I don't know what this had to do with the article, but I am American, live in Italy and I do walk alone. <BR>I can also spot any other American a mile away (this is not meant to be rude). <BR>

Another

What gives us away, Katy?

curious

Hi mimi! y husband and I were laughing about this article yesterday. I told hi I was going to post about it but you beat me to it! It was quite funny!

nnn

www.nytimes.com <BR>then click on 'fashion and style'