MY LITTLE PARISIAN STYLE.

The Mythic Catherine Deneuve.

March 27. 2020

Ah the Parisian Style Myth, a true puzzle of imagination vs. reality that I’ve enjoyed deciphering over the years in finding my own personal style.

Catherine Deneuve above definitely encapsulated that Parisian magic myth to me. Perfectly coiffed and understated.

It’s what I strive for, but I realize my own style reality over the years has evolved into a mix of Deneuve’s lady-like with a huge big dose of boyish Inspired “charm”.

Below is my own my tried and true French Formula Uniform Favorites, Thanks to the Gallic Greats (And some Adopted Parisianness) over the years.

Brigette Bardot. Though she is more known for her trademark Smokey Eyes and Natural Lips though I’m sure she must of dabbled in Red Lipstick ♥️.

LA ROUGE RED LIPSTICK.

My first red lipstick, besides stealing my Mother’s was the now discontinued Chanel’s Runway Rose. A perfect beginners red at15 years old. Subtle and demure with that childish hint of pink. Ha! Yep I used the word demure;)

But, oh how I loved that Red! It felt so french each time I applied it, probably mostly before French class;) I can still smell that trademark chanel rose scent.

Now 30 years later, I’ve had thousands of reds to replace that beloved first one.

As adult I gravitate towards Mattes for long wear and It’s still my no.1 go-to for my everyday little Parisian style. Here’s just a few of my favorites:

ROC (ROCK) THE RED:

My Current staples are these guys for staying power and boldness. NARS Heat Wave, a perfect orangey red for summer. YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture, slim matte in Rouge Extravagant. Sephora Collection’s cream lip Stain In No. 1 Always Red. Last, but not least the one I always go back to… MAC’s Ruby Woo.

Now your turn what’s your favorite Red’s ? Do tell…

Francois Hardy. Oh she rocked them and of course my Favorite Francophile Jackie-O.

OVERSIZED SUNNIES.

I’ve had a nearly life long love affair with big shades since coveting my own Momma’s plethera of pairs since the late Seventies. And when I was old enough to get my own, I took it to whole new legacy level;)

I’ve had more pairs then I can count and most of them unfortunately have been lost along the way. I still mourn their passing. But, these ones below have come to save the soleil day:)

Let me introduce you to Sasha. Her square, boldly beautiful silhouette had me at my first try-on. I dream of a whole basket full of these by my front door. And yet even if I just have one pair, the price ($95) is right if they do go missing like the ones before them.

Jean Seberg. Though expat from Iowa, her legendary boyish style charm from the 1960 French film Breathless still endures her to the most ardent Parisians.

 LA MARINIÈRE AND ITS SISTERS.

THE MARINIERE/BRETON SHIRT.

Its been a favorite of mine over the years with all its different variations of stripes or sleeve length.

One can’t go wrong with a Men’s tailored shirt designed for active French Sailors back in the day or the creatives/style icons like Gabrielle Chanel, Pablo Picasso and Brigette Bardot that adopted this classic staple into their own personal style.

My favorite brand is the original St. James version HERE and HERE. If you need one for yourself:)

THE SISTERS.

Over the years I’ve called some accessories, Sisters. Those essential components or a companion to a certain Piece of clothing in my uniform that can’t be missed;) Like Denim and a good Tote.

DENIM.

Oh Denim, Us Francophiles love you.

And that boyfriend Jean style that pretty much the French Femmes have invented. Nothing like a Men’s cut jean, a little loose with a nice easy ankle roll.

I know it’s been a favorite of mine since high school. But, this PAIR currently has me daydreaming of a stroll up and down the Champs Elysee;)

TOTE.

Even though the Tote (to carry) is a pretty much American thing. Thanks LLBean. The French do love their simple totes especially with a crossbody strap to navigate there way around the Metro and the streets of Paris.

I myself love them as I can carry all my essentials including my writing stuff with me at all times. My current favorite is Clare V.’s Annie Tote in Black with her signature desert suede stripes of Navy and Red.

Audrey Hepburn. Another expat that made the world desire the iconic French Ballet Flat.

BALLET FLATS.

Now you see them everywhere. A staple for any classic girl, but this was not always the case until dear Brigette Bardot in 1956 made a serious request that the famous Ballet Shoe maker, Repetto of Paris would consider creating a city street version and The Cendrillon ballerinas were born.

My Personal favorite is the lesser known Théâtre ballerinas. Just like Repetto’s authentic pointe ballet slipper they created walkable version with that lovely square toe and classic folds.

Though when I do go to Paris and even when I daydream usually wear these alternatives HERE.

*Oh I hope you enjoyed this petit style story from March in the initial covid lockdown.

Love, C.