About a month ago (maybe longer but I’ve lost all sense of time and possibly sanity as the summer has gone on) Sophie’s sister (who I’ll now refer to as Sister) was in France. And she emailed me to ask if I’d like to know what the French women were wearing around town. Which, OF COURSE.
Because everyone knows it’s just a matter of six or eight years before the trends in Paris make their way down to South Texas and I don’t want to miss the boat.
Now I said “miss the boat” and that makes me think of a cruise and I’m wondering if I’ve ever shared my complete aversion to cruises. I’ve never actually been on a cruise but you’ll never convince me it’s a good idea to get out in the middle of the water on a long ship.
And if you try to convince me otherwise I will trump you every time with the word TITANIC.
There isn’t enough Dramamine in the world for some situations.
Anyway, here’s an excerpt from Sister’s email update:
“Here’s what I’ve been seeing for the past week, even with the overcoats:
Stripes, as in Parisian horizontal: black and white striped tops are a staple here, but I’ve seen tops in all colors (e.g., the orange/white)
Scarves: very long scarves that you wrap around and around and twist and create a work of art; I’ve also noticed long, sort of crinkled fabric scarves that have tiny flowers, almost Provencal looking. Scarves are a must if you are in Paris. Hot or cold weather.
Shoes in all colors
Purses/bags in all colors
The colors I saw most today were all shades of orange, anywhere from reddish/orange to a pale peachy-peach. I saw orange and red trench coats (yes, even though it was warm ’cause they looked darling!), jackets, pants, jeans, shoes, purses and scarves. Orange was everywhere!
There was another lady on the Metro who had on orange shoes that looked like these penny loafer top-siders that I had in 1980. Her shoes looked darling with her outfit; it was her only splash of color.
I also saw some adorable black and white striped (horizontal) tiered short skirts today (sassy/flirty styles); saw one on a girl Caroline’s age, too. The other evening I saw a woman with a kiwi green long jacket, black top w/white stripes, slim black ankle pants, and red/orange shoes. Killer outfit – and she was probably going to the grocery store. I also saw a woman walking her dogs with a great looking mermaid green top, white pants and red shoes.”
And so there you have it. The latest (even though it was about a month ago) report from an on scene observer straight from the streets of Paris.
Here are a few things I saw this week even though now I wish more of them were orange or had cute stripes or included a kiwi long jacket.
Perfect! A cute orange top. I totally planned that.
I love the color of this top. It also comes in a pretty blue. Perfect to throw on with white shorts or pants.
I realize this is the kind of tank that requires a strapless bra and that’s never going to happen around here. But it can also be worn with another tank under it or maybe just thrown on over a swimsuit.
I know I’m trying hard to make it work but I just really like the stripes.
I am a sucker for a white eyelet dress.
This is one of my favorite things I’ve seen in a while. It’s a shame that it’s more than $15.
6. diagonal print stripe skirt
I love a good skirt in the summer and this one is really cute with its aqua stripes. Plus it’s an extra 40% off.
7. cotton shadow stripe smocked neck peasant top
And this top is really cute. I wish I could post a picture but for some reason the pictures won’t work now even though I totally posted a pic of that dress from Ann Taylor Loft just five minutes ago.
I don’t understand.
There was a time when I thought I would never again own any item of clothing that could be described with the word “chambray”. But fashion is a fickle thing and I found myself drawn to all manner of chambray and denim right now.
Which is why I’m in love with these wedges.
9. nike free run 3 running shoe
Listen. I realize a woman in Paris wouldn’t be caught dead in some Ugly American running shoes. But I’m in need of some new running shoes and I think I like these.
Has anyone tried them? Or have any better suggestions?
This would be just perfect for a summer wedding. Unfortunately I’m not invited to any summer weddings. But maybe you are.
That’s it for today.
Y’all have a great Friday.
I was in Paris 3 years ago and the one thing I saw in every window was MC Hammer, droopy pants. Sans the gold mind you. But yes, the ones that hand between the legs and actually become pants somewhere down around your knees.
And black or grey – even in May it was their staple.
And cigarettes… Parisians still have a love affair with nicotine. It makes the outdoor cafes lose their charm as the government has banned smoking indoors so you must brave the fumes as you walk the streets.
OH I love Paris.
We’ve been twice. ..of course that was years ago in a life known before children.
And we’re on our third summer wedding-next one is outside.in August.in Kansas. where it will be 107 today.
I’m on the lookout for a sweet little cool dress!
I kept telling everyone that “orange” was in this summer,but you know its kind of hard to find in stores and actually I went to La Cantera about 3 weeks ago and didn’t see a thing I liked. Which is weird. So I have moved onto other wardrobe ideas, as in when cooler weather gets here. I have been looking for vintage cowgirl shirts and vintage tee shirts.
Love the Parisian update, thanks for letting me know what to look for in a few years here
. Had to tell you that my 12 year old son is our resident Nike expert (he spends hours on the website and can tell you all kinds of things about Nikes) and he wears the Free Runs and loves them. I wanted some for the cute colors (not really a runner here), but it turns out Mamaw (I’ve borrowed that name from you whenever I have to do something that makes me feel old–hope you don’t mind!) has to have more “supportive” shoes for her bad knees. What I’m saying is that those Free Runs are as light as a feather and you can literally fold the shoe in half, but they aren’t a “stability” shoe as the runner-speak goes. However, on the Nike website you can customize a pair for $25 more and you could pick orange! and kiwi!
Go with Adidas for the running shoes! And I’m ALWAYS a fan on orange or salmon tinted items!
I agree totally! My ortho dr. said never run in Nike! He liked Adidas or Brooks! I suggest going to a running store to get fitted properly!
Never been to Paris! Would be nice to go on a European vacation! Love your fashion sense! You always have the greatest fashion fridays and I love the witty banter! I have not tried those Nike shoes. I currently have Asics Gel Blur33s and like them a lot!
Love the diagonal print striped skirt and the dress but I think both would be too short for me.
I guess the Parisians are tougher than me because there is NO WAY in this heat would I be caught dead with a scarf on especially when the heat index is between 105-115.
Have a great weekend!
Paris…where is that again? Is it outside Texas? I’m beginning to think that I am never going to see anything other than this state. DARE TO DREAM.
Hey Melanie,
Sorry I dropped off the face of the earth after our Morocco Texas Party (which I keep waiting to send you the link to the blog I write about it, but I had someone else take the pics that night and behold they haven’t made their way to me yet.) but you would’ve been proud- especially the height of my hair.
About Paris- Morocco is a francophone country (not officially, mind you) and there are a TON of Frenchies here and I echo everything Sister said.
Nike Frees- I switched to them about a year ago and oh my heavenly stars I will NEVER go back to another shoe. They are so light and wonderful, I swear it makes it easier to run. Plus, you supposedly use your leg muscles more when you run in them, which should help muscle tone? (I’m talking like I’m an expert on athletic-y things, kind of like when the Olympics come around and I start criticizing people’s tumbling forms and how big of a splash they made in the water.) All of that to say, you won’t be disappointed!
Orange loafers. Want them so bad. They don’t have my size
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-MACABEE-Patent-Leather-Loafer/xny9m/?iid=1833124&cid=4172&Rf900=1564&Rf-200=7&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Orange&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1NQUNBQkVFLVBhdGVudC1MZWF0aGVyLUxvYWZlci9Qcm9kLw..
I used to wear Nikes but kept having feet problems and really bad shin splints. I went to a running store and they said that most Nikes were the worst thing I could wear on my feet (I have really flat feet and no arch.) I started running in Mizuno wave rider’s about 5 years ago and LOVE them. I’ll never use a different running shoe! They have helped so much and all my feet/shin problems are gone! They are not the cutest, but are wonderful! I go to A&M and do a ton of walking and sometimes they are the only shoes I can wear that don’t hurt my feet.
Nikes are bad for shin splints or any type of real running.
I went to a store that checked out my feet and the way I run. They recommend Mizuno, Brooks, Asics or Saucony. I just bought a pair of Saucony and I LOVE them. They are really supportive–which is great since I’m a big girl just started the whole running thing.
Go try on pairs. And go somewhere that will look at the way you walk to determine a good pair of shoes!
Shoe suggestion: seriously as weird as they look I vote vibram five fingers..they are by far the most comfortable running shoes on the planet..I even talked mom into them and she has since started running. Her words: ” I don’t know what it is about those shoes but they make you want to run forever!” I made fun of people forever but now I will never go back. Seriously, go try them on at whole earth….right now….go.
As shocking as this may sound, it is not wise to select your running shoes as a fashion item. Look for a running store in your area that will analyze your run and recommend shoes based on your specific needs. I was recorded running on the treadmill (knees down only) and they looked at how my feet struck, if the toe box rolled to one side or the other, and who knows what else. Then they brought out about 6 pair of shoes that they thought would work for me. The first pair they gave me felt like heaven, but I diligently tried them all on. That first pair of Mizunos (Wave Rider 15) won out and I’ve had 6 weeks of pain-free shins and plantars fasciaitis!! Of course, a lot of the shoe companies will let you customize on their website!
Those running shoes are cute but my favorites right now are Brooks Pure Flow. Although I would like some Nike Free bright shoes, but just not for running in. Make sense?
Lord have mercy on the running shoes. I do triathlons and a lot of working out, and I can tell you Reebok RealFlex are the best things I’ve ever had on my feet. I tried the five fingers, but the RealFlex won out for me on style and comfortablity. (is that a word?) I’ve tried everything from 300 dollar shoes–Newtons, Nike, Asics, Sauconys, Mizunos–and I finally found heaven from the brand that made high tops of different colors in the 80′s. I hope you give them a try!!
http://www.reebok.com/en-US/#!/products/fitness/women/footwear/realflex-optimal/sun-rock-condensed-pink-white/
Just wanted to comment on the Nike running shoe – have you been wearing minimalist running shoes? If not, it may take some getting used to. I bought some Brooks pure flow and I cannot wear them running. They are hard on my calves and archilles heel. I’m sure I would get used to them if I continued running in them, but I just walk in them now. I did have to walk home barefoot a few times when I was trying to run in these. By the way – I have tried Nike running shoes, but my favorite are Brooks!
My soninlaw is a orthodist – he says support is key
I swear by New Balance……most sales staff folks are very knowledgeable and know
How to address specific foot issues.
Is it me? Or does Model #2 look like she hates her job?
I thought she was a mannequin. ? No?
Mel, you must try the Skechers Go Run before you make a decision. You owe it to yourself.
I run and like Mizuno. Nike’s were terrible for my feet but I have some cute ones for “runnning” errands in running shorts and a t-shirt (aka my mom uniform).
Love all the orange I am seeing! I even got some cute new kitchen utensils in orange to compliment the blue and white I’ve had for years. Just the right splash of color!
I especially love orange and pink paired in fashion. My daughter has the cutest pair of patent leather pink and orange sandals from Marshall’s that came from Italy. So cute!
I so agree with you on the cruise thing. My friends think I am insane, but what about being trapped on a boat do they think is fun?!
Those Nikes are adorable, but I cannot wear Nikes. Brooks or Asics for me. Good luck in your search!
Traci
I too love my Brooks Pure Flow-a very light shoe and still has cushioning. I am on my 2nd pair. They now have some great color options. The Finish Line carries several options.
Love, love, LOVE my Nike frees!! Got them for Christmas and they’re holding up well. Great for actual running, for other exercise, and just around town. I am a long-time Nike fan for running shoes, and these are my all-time favorites, I think.