You've probably heard it before....French women are noted for their trendsetting looks. Though this may just be a vast generalisation, it's certainly true that many French women have become fashion icons due to their impeccable sense of fashion - they seem to have that little somethin'-somethin', or should we say, a certain je ne sais quoi, that sets them apart from the rest, style-wise.
Former supermodel, onetime Karl Largerfeld muse and visage of the French national symbol Marianne, Inès dela Fressange is the epitome of Parisian chic - and that's why we were ooh so excited when the English version of her best-selling book,"Parisian Chic: A Style Guide" (co-written with Sophie Gachet) was released recently.
In this book, Inès generously shared her most sacred fashion resources and musings on topics ranging from styling/beauty tips, her favourite Parisian haunts and sartorial worldly wisdom. What follows are some of the best advice from a woman (recently named the chicest woman in France by the readers of Le Figaro, no less) who is both the emblem of effortless style and exemplifies the idea of being lovely inside and out, which, like her style, is something we can all still appreciate today. Suffice to say Francophiles like yours truly are totally smitten with this book, and Inès herself!! Ooh la la!
Inès believes in the power of mixing and matching high and low end pieces, vintage with contemporary, as well as men's and women's clothing, and how we must NEVER be a slave to fashion. Her advice is to pay attention to trends but pick only those that might suit you as nothing ages a woman more than adopting every passing fad. Clearly a woman after our own hearts! In the book, her daughter Nine D'Urso models the essential wardrobe basics Inès calls "the Magnificent Seven" : a man’s blazer, a trench coat, a navy (cashmere) sweater, the tank, the LBD (little black dress), the perfect jeans and a leather jacket.
There are some rules, of course. Some of Inès’ guidelines for dressing well:
The DON’Ts
* Never wear a necklace AND earrings.
* Matching bags and shoes after the age of 30 adds ten years.
* Backpacks and bumbags - no!
* Never wear jeans with trainers.
* Avoid anything nude, particularly if you are older as you will look washed out and even more invisible.
The DOs
* Scrunch up the sleeves of your trench coat. Never belt it properly or add anything military.
* Always wear a bra.
* Wear pearls with a rock ‘n roll T-shirt.
* Wear black with navy.
* Roll the sleeves of your cotton shirt over the sleeve of your sweater. Very Parisian!
* Wear a full skirt with a tight top; or a pillowy top with skinny trousers or a pencil skirt.
* Shop in the menswear departments, especially if you are not petite. You can find great blazers, knitwear, white shirts and scarves.
Thank you, Inès, for these invaluable fashion tips!
Digressing from the subject a little, it is clearly evident from the pictures (below) that Nine inherited much of her mother’s effortlessly chic style. And like her mother, she is more than a just pretty face. She is the international face of Bottega Venetta’s inaugural fragrance (to be launched this September) and currently works for ELLE as a journalist. With all the Mother’s Day buzz, it seems befitting to spotlight someone who is not only a style icon, but also a mother, n’est pas?:-)
Overall, we find Inès’ Parisian Chic: A Style Guide to be an endearing, witty and inspirational book that gives readers a heartfelt perspective to what stylish living is all about. Accompanied by her own charming illustrations and photography, there is indeed wisdom and philosophy in these pages that you would not normally expect to find in a style guide - Parisian Chic encourages readers to draw upon and develop their innate style; so it's is nice having Inès mentoring us on looking chic and timeless infused with the sensibilities of a true Parisian. We highly recommend that you read this book, think about how it can meld with your current style, and see how much fun you can have.
Taking a cue from the book, we’ve mustered a few pieces from Inès’ “Magnificent Seven” wardrobe essentials list which are sure to add that little extra something to your own wardrobe….
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| Image credits: Photos of Ines and Nine are from French ELLE'; illustration (excluding chandelier) - copyright Ines de la Fressange 1. MNG Basics Navy Sweater [AC 231]
This sweater is a wardrobe staple in navy hue. Wear it with blted tailored pants or white denim to perfect the Parisian style aesthethic. Tres chic! MNG Sweater has a round scoop neck, three quarter sleeves and simply slips on. 43% viscose, 29% cotton, 28% polyamide. Size US XS/EU S and priced at RM40.
2. Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker Skinny Jeans [AC 152]
"Jeans are never too risky; they're a little like salt - they go with everything!"
Pull on these figure-sculpting ankle zip pants with your favourite blouse and you're good to go! Size US2. Low rise with a 25-inch inseam. Brand not available in Malaysia. Never been worn. A bargain at RM150.
3. Banana Republic Brown Leather Jacket [AC 232]
Jacket has a pointed collar with a zip fastening through front, seam detail, long sleeves and is fully lined. 100% leather. In excellent condition. Size US XS and priced at RM249.
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"The little black dress is not simply an item of clothing, it's a concept. It's abstract, it's universal — which means there's one that's perfect for everyone...Today the Parisian has several little black dresses, just as she has several pairs of jeans: each is a variation on a theme."
Sleeveless fitted dress with a round neck, seamed bodice and concealed zip fastening at back. 100% polyester. Made in Italy. Mint condition. Size XS and priced at RM99.
2. Marks & Spencer Wool Double Breasted Blazer [AC 233]
"Push back or roll up the sleeves — the ultimate 'easy chic' statement."
Anchor-embossed gold buttons make this wool blazer an elegant yet edgy nautical piece. Pair this double-breasted style with a romantic floaty dress for a chic boy-meets-girl look. Anchor-embossed button fastenings through double-breasted front. Blazer has front patch pockets, a breast pocket, long sleeves with button cuffs and is fully lined. 100% wool; lining: 100% viscose. made in UK. Dry clean. Size UK8 (petite fit)/EU36 and priced at RM120.
"Never, ever buckle the belt properly like a good little girl. Tie it in front or behind with the buckle hanging loose. Unobtrusive fashion statements like this ('Life's too short,' or 'the buckle's broken but I love this coat so much I found a solution ...') are very, very Parisian."
Double-breasted front coat has button-fastening epaulets, a buckle belt, front slit pockets, a back vent and is lined in black and white stripes. 97% cotton and 3% spandex. Lining is 100% polyester. Size US8/EU38.
p/s: Don’t forget to scrunch up the sleeves:-)
Free delivery to anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia for purchases of RM50 or more.
For further information or to purchase, please contact:
taitaitwins[at]gmail.com.
xoxo
