The red trend seems to have caught on in Paris as well as London and New York. Whilst sitting in Parisian cafes watching the world go by on my recent trip, I observed some chic Parisian women wearing various shades of red and orange.
It is a great colour to cheer up a dull winter’s day.
Although many Parisian women stuck to the traditional neutrals such as navy and camel for their outfits there were occasional flashes of colour. A red headscarf with a camel coat, a mustard scarf teamed with a turquoise jacket or brown shoes with a navy coat.
Studs and embellishments were popular on shoes and bags. I spotted the pair of stud sneakers (top right) whilst waiting for my train back to the South of France.
Monochrome in the form of chevrons appeared a few times. I also noticed a couple of backpacks. I was pleased to see that my grey backpack was not only practical but also had the Parisian seal of approval.
The spot of a Leopard never seems to fade. Leopard has become a staple of many an Autumn wardrobe. The Paris shop windows did not disappoint with a variety of stunning styles.
Well, what is a girl to do after all that window shopping but stop for a spot of lunch. Susan of UneFemme and I had a delicious “Salade de Fromage de chèvre” in a small cafe opposite the Jardin du Luxembourg.
We were tempted by one of these patisseries but managed to resist.
However, we did dine well in the evenings. The first evening we were very lucky to get a table at “Le Comptoir“, a very popular restaurant in Saint Germain. I would describe the food as light and fresh with a French twist.
The second evening we chose Les Editeurs. Equally as good. The decor was traditionally French and the food was equally as delicious if not a bit richer than the previous evening.
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Hello Josephine
I am new to your posts and really enjoying them. The clothes you show plus accessories give me ideas about what is possible for myself. You can look chic as you say, any any age! I am 75 but am learning from your ideas all the time.
Thank you
Carol Hunt
Hello Carol
Welcome to my blog and am glad it is giving you some new ideas to try.
Oh Josepine the leopard shoes are so great. I love leopard. It looks like you had a wonderful trip and the food must have been divine. Lucky you !
Wow, love the red and orange also those studded boots. What great window shopping love it, and those desserts "sinful" ha ha. Thanks for the great blog.
Shirley/Canada.
I wonder about this idea of French women being uniquely 'chic'.Could it be a bit of a myth in reality? In any big cosmopolitan city you find many fashionable well-dressed women. I wonder whether provincial French women look a lot like they do in any other similar place?
I always wear bright colours and they are particularly important in the grey old British winter. I like leopard pattern in furry collars and hats etc but for some reason not on the feet -just a bit too animal for me.
Not keen on what I see on the high street at the moment, M&S in particular quite awful.I'm like Penny (frugalfashionshopper) in that I buy a lot second hand and in sales.
I always seem to look different to most people and it's nice to get compliments. I saw an older lady looking really great in her black fedora and embroidered jacket so I said so and she was very pleased, if surprised!
Hi Lynda
An interesting discussion. I think in any country there is diversity. I live in London. I don't go into town as often as I used to and some areas are full of tourist however you definitely see Chic women around Chelsea and Bond street. The women in Paris seem to have a uniform, a lot of black, monochrome with maybe the addition of an on-trend accessory. I also spend about three months in the South of France, where the dress code is more relaxed and you see more colour.
Overall I would say French women always pay attention to their appearance and would never go to buy a baguette dressed in "tracky bottoms" they would always be well presented.
I agree the high street is struggling at the moment. I have found a few good things at M&S like my long boots but you have to look hard.
It is lovely to give and receive compliments.
Love your blog content and commentary! I live in the Japan equivalent of the (US) Hamptons on the seaside, south of Tokyo. Our local area is high income but wear is very casual, favoring surfing and laid back style trends.
When I go into Tokyo or Yokohama for an event or evening out, I often feel at a loss for what to wear, as people here are generally trim and very fashion forward. The men are as into fashion as the women, if not more so. I suppose my comment is more about how to feel modern in a very trend conscious society as a 68 year old who very much enjoys fashion but is leading a quiet retirement lifestyle at the shore. I might add that being an American at 170 cm/67 kg I am not over weight but feel somewhat giantess among these often lithe people. Women's wear here seems to be based on petite sizing so I buy mostly from the internet.
Hi suzanne
Glad you like my blog. I have always wanted to visit Japan, maybe someday I will. I have a half japanese daughter in law and she is very petite. I should imagine that most of the shops there cater for petite women. Many brands now ship internationally so you could always try the internet.
Oh, I am so glad backpacks are in! Small ones, that is. I've been on the fence about them for ages but they really DO work, don't they? And I'm loving all the touches of red!
Hi Libby
I find my grey backpack so useful especially when I am looking after my grandsons. It leaves my hands free. I also am loving red accessories this season.
Josephine, what a lovely post! Everything you've shown here offers ideas about how to combine some pieces in my closet I'd not yet seen. BTW, I recently bought a short red trench coat and some flashy sneaks that are elevating my more basic, everyday fall ensembles.
Your Paris photos are absolutely lovely. So nice that you and Susan got to rendezvous again in Paris. Hubby and I have not dined at either of those restaurants, but I've resolved we will do so next time we get there.
Hi Ann
Your red trench coats sounds lovely. I love flashy sneaks. In fact I think I am in the market for a new pair.
Hi Josephine,
Thanks for the mini-tour of Paris. Really enjoyed all the pictures, including the pastries! I really like the look of the studded sneakers and looks like they would be comfortable. Thanks again for sharing.
Great style. I didn’t know your website. I was looking for streetwear for women and few tips. I will check out your propositions right now. Sorry for my english (I am french)
Keep going your thing.
Bienvenue sur mon blog Jessica J'espère que vous apprécierez le lire