With this this crazy Canadian winter in full swing, we won't blame you for wishing that you were somewhere else. Indeed many people will be dreaming of Mexico or Cuba. I however dream of the chic streets of Paris, cold or no; the direct result of reading “How to be Parisian Wherever You Are”. Written by a group of Parisian friends, Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas, the authors tell us non-Parisians how to live up to the chic Parisian lifestyle. From beauty and fashion tips, to bad habits and relationships, these ladies cover every category necessary to live their chic lifestyle. Written in a series of anecdotes, these ladies give foreigners a glimpse into their glamorized lives.
Fashion
“What you won’t find in her closet” – because there is so much stuff in there, it is easier just to list what you won’t find, some of my favourites were:
- Three inch heels. Why live life halfway?”
- “Sweatpants. No man should ever see you in those. Except a gym teacher – and even then. Leggings are tolerated. “
- “Ugg boots. Enough said.”
Clearly the Western girl’s wardrobe is quite different than the Parisienne’s.The list ends with; “if the Parisienne could wear just a Burberry trench and nothing underneath, she would be in heaven. “
The ladies have however also compiled a list of Parisienne essentials, a few notable items were:
- “Jeans, anytime, anywhere and any way.”
- “A thick scarf. Precisely because you don’t own a parka.”
- “Basic oversized sunglasses. Every day, even when it’s raining, because you always have a reason to wear them: too bright out, a hangover, tears running down your face, a desire to be mysterious…”
- “An oversized shirt. You always undo one extra button so it doesn’t look too serious.”
The Parisienne can be always seen in an all black ensemble in homage to the man who repurposed it, Yves Saint Laurent. Black, according to these women, may be used to hide something "deeper"; it could be hiding the fear of not being chic, or committing a faux paus, the black is a classic that is convenient and comfortable.
Fashion
“What you won’t find in her closet” – because there is so much stuff in there, it is easier just to list what you won’t find, some of my favourites were:
- Three inch heels. Why live life halfway?”
- “Sweatpants. No man should ever see you in those. Except a gym teacher – and even then. Leggings are tolerated. “
- “Ugg boots. Enough said.”
Clearly the Western girl’s wardrobe is quite different than the Parisienne’s.The list ends with; “if the Parisienne could wear just a Burberry trench and nothing underneath, she would be in heaven. “
The ladies have however also compiled a list of Parisienne essentials, a few notable items were:
- “Jeans, anytime, anywhere and any way.”
- “A thick scarf. Precisely because you don’t own a parka.”
- “Basic oversized sunglasses. Every day, even when it’s raining, because you always have a reason to wear them: too bright out, a hangover, tears running down your face, a desire to be mysterious…”
- “An oversized shirt. You always undo one extra button so it doesn’t look too serious.”
The Parisienne can be always seen in an all black ensemble in homage to the man who repurposed it, Yves Saint Laurent. Black, according to these women, may be used to hide something "deeper"; it could be hiding the fear of not being chic, or committing a faux paus, the black is a classic that is convenient and comfortable.
Beauty
The Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even (the gap in her smile or her slightly crooked tooth, her prominent eyebrows or strong nose): these are the signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect.’ The Parisienne wants you to believe that they were born with perfect hair and perfect skin when in fact this is the product of hard labour, ‘how to take care of yourself while giving the impression that you don’t take care of yourself”. With hair the Parisienne does not believe in hair dye, go to sleep with wet hair and do not use a blow drier and never accessorize your hair. They do not believe in plastic surgery and treat their skin to be shown, they do not use heavy foundations, just a little moisturizer.
The Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even (the gap in her smile or her slightly crooked tooth, her prominent eyebrows or strong nose): these are the signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect.’ The Parisienne wants you to believe that they were born with perfect hair and perfect skin when in fact this is the product of hard labour, ‘how to take care of yourself while giving the impression that you don’t take care of yourself”. With hair the Parisienne does not believe in hair dye, go to sleep with wet hair and do not use a blow drier and never accessorize your hair. They do not believe in plastic surgery and treat their skin to be shown, they do not use heavy foundations, just a little moisturizer.
Attitude
A few short quotes from the book can summarize the Parisienne’s attitude; “The Parisienne is never satisfied”, “The Parisienne is arrogant”, “The Parisienne already knows what she must think: the opposite of what you think, no matter what.” Clearly the Parisienne is a confident woman, not to be crossed.
Conclusion
This delightful book of short anecdotes gives the foreigner a glimpse into what it means to be Parisienne, and what I learned is that it is not an easy lifestyle to pick up. Indeed the essence of the Parisienne comes from generations of perfection and cannot be embodied by just anyone. If however, you live your life with confidence, maintain a strong commitment to your own sense of style, and remain true to your body, you might just become an honorary Parisienne, which is certainly a step in the right direction.
By Claire Henderson
A few short quotes from the book can summarize the Parisienne’s attitude; “The Parisienne is never satisfied”, “The Parisienne is arrogant”, “The Parisienne already knows what she must think: the opposite of what you think, no matter what.” Clearly the Parisienne is a confident woman, not to be crossed.
Conclusion
This delightful book of short anecdotes gives the foreigner a glimpse into what it means to be Parisienne, and what I learned is that it is not an easy lifestyle to pick up. Indeed the essence of the Parisienne comes from generations of perfection and cannot be embodied by just anyone. If however, you live your life with confidence, maintain a strong commitment to your own sense of style, and remain true to your body, you might just become an honorary Parisienne, which is certainly a step in the right direction.
By Claire Henderson