Dinner Dress codes

𝓕or my last blog post, I will be talking about the dress code to 2 different types of dinner events ! But before we start,

What do you like to wear when going out to dinner?

𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓁 

When it comes to a more formal dinner experience, Fressange mentions to, "Bank on your basics" (54). I agree with her, because even if you end up over dressing, if you stuck to basics, you'll still look presentable. For my dinner on the town outfit, I decided to go for a neutral color dress that still looks dressy, especially with the lace and simple bows on the back, and a neutral colorurse. But for shoes, while a light pink is still pretty neutral, the silver heel and lace up feature really pulls together the entire look, especially since Fressange mentions that shoes are accessory that can transform your ensemble (54).

𝒾𝓃𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓁

For a more casual setting, such as a dinner date to a non-fancy restaurant, it's good to dress without looking desperate and revealing a lot of skin. For example, instead of a tight mini skirt with a plunging v neck top, opt for a skirt that's at least a bit past mid thigh, and go for a top without such a low neck. For my outfit, I decided to go for a nice cashmere mock neck, which looks more luxurious compared to polyester, and then a simple pair of jeans and a nice pair of flats. While it's simple and doesn't show off too much skin, it still looks well put together and more elegant compared to a more skin showing outfit. 

𝑀𝑒𝓇𝒸𝒾 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓅 !

  𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝑀.

Fressange, Ines de la, et al. Parisian Chic: a Style Guide. Flammarion, 2011.

Shopping Coach

𝓛ots of people have a problem when shopping. They'll end up buying something that they don't need and waste it. Luckily, Fressange brings up this problem in her book. With this post, I'll be comparing two different items that I've bought. My red blazer is a outerwear I regret buying, meanwhile my pink trench coat is something I don't regret.

1. Think First

When it comes to certain clothes, think if you'll consider wearing the piece of clothing you're considering, later today or tonight. If the answer is no, or you're buying something because you might need it later, don't buy it!

⇒With my blazer, I thought I would wear it later in the year, or with something else I'd have to buy, but I haven't bought the top I was going to wear, which means my blazer has barely been touched at all.

⇒When it came to my pink trench, I wore it the following weekend. It's something that I can wear for a long time, since it matches with the rest of my closet, and it's useful to have a light fancier jacket.

2. Avoid Trends

Trends aren't bad, but if you buy something just because it's trendy, and not because you actually really like the clothes, then don't pay attention to trends!

⇒When I bought my blazer, red was a popular color, and blazers were slowly making a comeback as well. However, I didn't seem to care too much for it, but it was trendy so I decided to purchase it.

⇒Trench coats have their trendy moments, but since they're a classic piece, there's no right or wrong time to purchase one, since stores will almost always carry them. 

3. Avoid buying pieces that are "works of art"

"We love it (piece of clothing) as an object in its own right, for its bright colors, its witty details" (Fressange 17). You'll encounter pieces in your life where it seems too pretty to pass up, but in reality it's just pretty. It might look absolutely stunning, but be totally out of your comfort zone and not look good on you.

⇒I can relate to Fressange where we love an object for it's colors and details. I absolutely loved the bright red of my blazer, with its gold buttons, but it just doesn't fit my style. If I had gone for a neutral color, such as navy or black, I would have gotten more wear on it, since it would've fit into my current clothes much better than a bright red.

⇒While I do love my trench, I didn't buy it because it was pretty. I bought it because the colors matched my current clothes, it was dressy but also casual, it had a hood in case it rains, and it didn't look bad on me. 

𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹𝓈

I hope these 3 tips have helped in how to not waste your money on clothes you don't need! I think it's important to know that you can still follow all of these, and end up just not wearing what you bought.  Finally, are you guilty of buying something you never wear? What was it?

𝑀𝑒𝓇𝒸𝒾 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓅 !

  𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝑀.

Fressange, Ines de la, et al. Parisian Chic: a Style Guide. Flammarion, 2011.

Traveling with Parisian Style

     𝒯raveling in style is a difficult thing to do, because if you wear something fashionable, you could get stuck being uncomfortable for the entire time ! Just as the Parisians have rules to normal day to day fashion, they have rules on what to pack and wear for traveling. But before I get into that, << What's your go to outfit when traveling? >>

    First thing you wan to wear are some comfy pants. This can include joggers or sweatpants. It's something that's easy to put on, and can look stylish and cute. However, "Never a skirt, never a dress" (Fressange 57).

    For tops, wear layers ! Start with a simple tank top, then a long sleeve tee, and a nice chunky sweater over the top. That way if you start feeling hot, you can just peel off a layer, but if you keep them all on, the chunky sweater can hide the other layers. Plus you'll feel better prepared, instead of having to change your shirt because you're too hot.

   Wear comfy shoes, especially if you are someone who likes to take off shoes on the ride to your destination. Avoid shoes such as boots and heels, as they can be annoying to have to put them back on, plus they aren't known to be the most comfortable. Instead, go for simple flats or a pair of sneakers.

   Finally, pack some essentials into a tote bag, like a laptop, books, magazines. Some things I like to bring along on top of that is a reusable water bottle, headphones, an extra pair of socks, and some lip balm.

𝐵𝑜𝓃 𝓋𝑜𝓎𝒶𝑔𝑒 !

𝑀𝑒𝓇𝒸𝒾 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓅 !

  𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝑀.

Fressange, Ines de la, et al. Parisian Chic: a Style Guide. Flammarion, 2011.

Parisian Chic: LBD

"𝒯he little black dress is not simply an item of clothing, it's a concept." (Fressange 32). Fressange also mentions that's it's a universal thing, and the truth is, it is. It's something that you can find all around, a nice simple black dress, that can be dressed up or down depending on the person. 

Little black dresses are meant to be styled by yourself. While taking inspiration from other people is nice, it all depends on the person wearing it. "Everyone wears hers differently" (Fressange 32). 

For example, when I wear a LBD, I usually prefer to wear it to create a "neutral slate" and to bring out a statement piece to make it pop out more.

Here you can see that I paired the dress with gold heels, mainly to match the colors up with the hardware of the purse, but otherwise there's no other accessories, other than the bright blue purse, which is my statement item. 

But if you're someone who likes a more uniformed theme, you might go with accessories of the same metal, or that give off the same vibe.

With this outfit, I paired the dress with simple lace up flats, and a gold necklace with a pearl, and also a sea inspired gold charm bracelet. This ensemble matches metals (gold), and also nautical vibes. 

While you're free to style the dress however you want, it is preferred that it's simple, and without too many focus points.

Everything here is just too much. There's 3 different colors of metals (black, silver, and gold), the black ring will blend in with the dress, there's a different style of accessory on almost every body part, and with a bright purse and flashy necklace, which are 2 statement pieces and defeats the purpose of a statement piece. However, if you can somehow rock this look and this is the style you're going for, then go for it, because a LBD is about yourself and no one else. 

To everyone who owns a LBD, how do you like to style it? Do you ever style it based on how other people style theirs? 

𝑀𝑒𝓇𝒸𝒾 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓅 !

  𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝑀.

Fressange, Ines de la, et al. Parisian Chic: a Style Guide. Flammarion, 2011.

Parisian Chic: Fashion Faux Pas !

𝓐ccording to Ines de la Fressange, a French model, obtaining the Parisian style without being born in Paris is quite simple, as there are a few golden rules to follow (Fressange 11)

For this post, we'll be talking about some of the "faux pas" to Parisian fashion. I'll be giving what she and myself have to say on almost each item.

 >> While you're reading, do you guys agree with what she says? Are any of you guilty of these faux pas?<<

1. Hair Scrunchies

• "Too girly" (Fressange 68)

2. Fishnet T-shirts (Also known as mesh t-shirts)

• "Difficult to see how these could possibly flatter anyone, apart from Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan" (Fressange 69)

3. Leggings 

↳ My opinion: Honestly, when I read that leggings were a big no, I was kinda upset, because I feel like every single outfit I wear has leggings! They're such a comfortable and versatile piece of any closet, as you can dress them up or down, and too different styles. In these two pictures below, you can see that I'm wearing leggings in both!

 

4. Cropped t-shirts 

↳ My opinion: I feel like if you're a 25+ year old living in Paris, you probably wouldn't wear crop tops or see anyone wear them, but as for people our age, they're very trendy. While I do have very mixed opinions on them (I personally do not like them on myself if they're too cropped) I do think that they're appropriate in some places, but probably not in Paris if you're on the older end. 

5. Too many mixed materials

• "Satin + velvet + chiffon + tweed = textile overdose" (69).

↳ My opinion: Out of the entire 3 pages of faux pas, I feel like I agree with this the most. While it's good to have a variety of textures in your outfit, instead of having all the same fabric and texture (like double denim or wearing a leather jacket and leather pants!) Having too many different textures and fabrics is just too much going on at once, it's like mixing tons of bright colors or tons of different patterns. Sometimes just narrowing it down to two different textiles is the right thing to do.

⇾ 𝑀𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 ⇽

Style and fashion are both very flexible things. I am someone who does enjoy the Parisian style, but will I follow absolutely all of these rules? No ! I prefer to incorporate classic pieces from certain styles into my wardrobe, to create a more open ended wardrobe, that allows me to mix and match. What I got out of this section of the book, is that "oh, here are some rules, but you don't have to follow all of them as if your life depended on it, it's more for how Parisian you want to look, follow more rules if you want a more Parisian look, and the other way too". But, this section is actually quite helpful for knowing how to not look like a tourist for a trip to Paris, even if that wasn't the main goal for the book! 

𝑀𝑒𝓇𝒸𝒾 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓅 !

  𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝑀.

Fressange, Ines de la, et al. Parisian Chic: a Style Guide. Flammarion, 2011.