The French in the Trenches

The center of the fashion universe varies depending on who you talk to. Paris, New York. Paris. Milan. Paris.

We say when in ________ do as the __________s do and enjoy the food, fun and fashion accordingly. We just happened to be in Paris and our observations confirmed that there are several items that seem to be wardrobe staples. The ones we saw the most in Paris are:

Trench Coat

Originally designed by Thomas Burberry for soldiers during World War I, the trench coat was quickly adopted by civilians, both men and women.

Style setters like, Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve elevated it to the fashion hall of fame. It's as popular as ever in Paris, where it's a fabulous antidote to the chronic rain and dampness.

Gucci Bamboo Bag

Statement Bag

A girl needs a bag she can live in. Two caught our eye, the Chanel Coco Cocoon and the new Gucci Bamboo bag.

The Cocoon is the power-puff of quilted nylon from 2009. Mon Dieu! A moldie oldie, but it still looks amazing...

The Bamboo is brand new, with a price in nose-bleed territory. Buy the best you can afford. It'll hold its value should you sell it (on ebay). We can't say the same about your house.

Slim Pant

Ninety percent of what was covering the famed French derri�res consisted of slim jeans or slim black pants. Really, who needs anything else? As long as the pants fit and the shoes work, the ladies seem to focus where it counts, on what's above the waist.

Ballet Flats or Loafers

Navigating the quaintly cobblestoned streets of Paris takes a toll on feet and foot wear. Then there's the arduous multi-level trekking required when using the metro. A girl needs fashion and function. Ballet flats and uber-stylish loafers are everywhere.

White Blouse

French women don't get all the credit for the masterful use of this wardrobe workhorse. It's as familiar and reliable as a second skin in many languages, we just happened to see a lot of it around, from the Champs de Elysee to the St. Germain des Pres.

Men and women alike were swathed in cashmere; it was on their bodies and wrapped around their necks.  

There's nothing like it to make a girl feel like a princess while elbowing her way into a crowded train. The French know cashmere softens life's little hassles.

Viva La France!

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