Audrey Hepburn was absolutely right; Paris is always a good idea.
Even the briefest visit can recharge the batteries and kick starts the creative.
24 hours this week felt like two weeks any other week. It helped that the days were fine and even bright blue in patches. Winter sunshine is probably the happiest of all bright days.
Paris felt different this visit and I am not entirely sure why.
The Parisian pace felt slower and the people in a more “gentle” state of mind. I have always loved the Parisians and been fortunate their reputation for brusqueness and unfriendliness has not come my way. These last days I was surprised at their open helpfulness and kindness. Overt friendliness is not something I associate with the Parisian; understated and reserved with the occasional half smile is how I think of them.
Perhaps the recent tragedies have changed them; of course they have.
I am making a grand generalisation here and finding it difficult to express but there was a difference in the air. I lunched with my gorgeous friend Carla and she expressed the same sentiments. Her instincts were saying the same; Paris feels different.
Paris looked so very beautiful.
I promise there were no rose coloured glasses. In the early afternoon bathed in sunshine, Paris had me enthralled. I question how I can still feel enamoured with this place when the novelty should have well and truly worn off. No, it hasn’t and I doubt it will. It is not possible to digest that much beauty in a lifetime.
Crossing the breadth of Paris on my way to the train station and taking in the blockbuster sights was the perfect finale to my brief visit. The landmarks and monuments were standing proud, brazen as anything and secure in their glorious architectural beauty.
It was one of those extraordinary days.
Time in Paris is not a true visit without walking miles, taking snaps and generally observing.
I enjoy people watching and in particular the style and fashion of the women.
I sense perhaps there is a general loss of interest in the Parisian woman and how she looks. Is it because there has been so much written about her? Many generalisations have been made and oftentimes other fabulous women in this world of ours have been neglected.
I observed the clichés continue to be true.
Many Parisian women look wonderful and appear to follow the “essential” wardrobe rules. The ‘classic with a twist’ French style is very much alive on the Parisian pavements. By ‘twist’ I mean the accessory that brings the outfit together and provides the unique flair that sets style apart. Parisian women do understand the value of that.
And yes, leather jackets, faux fur and sneakers were out in force.
I notice the leather jackets worn layered up; with longer line shirts and sweaters underneath and accessorised with thick scarves for warmth. Older and younger women sported them over jeans or with tailored trousers.
I had forgotten what a Parisian look the leather jacket is. Note to self: start wearing mine. xv
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In Paris: The Leather Jacket Is Always A Good Idea
**michael michael kors with shearling collar // **halogen reversible moto // **trouve leather moto
rag and bone arrow moto // **karl lagerfeld odina moto // iro ashville moto
