As we move to Christine Dior, my first memory is of the perfume called “Poison”. It was a best seller at my store, with the under 30 crowd. The scent was very sweet, like grape juice to me, I disliked it very much…but it was such a hot seller, even the tester bottles were stolen on us all the time.

The only thing, I did learn, is the name DIOR, carried a lot of weight with the ‘French fans” crowd. Maybe because, it was one of the few French names, which everyone can say correctly without worrying about mispronunciation, which happens with so many other French designers…
Christine was raised in a wealthy family from Normandy. His father owned a fertilizer company, and there were 5 children in this family… so I guess, that is logical…you know, dealing with fertilizer, you tend to get more quantity
When he decided to leave school, his father financed an art gallery ( must be nice to have such an understanding father) In 1928, the Great Depression hit France, and the father lost the business, and Christine lost his financial backer ( dad) , and he had to close the gallery, and find a job. He worked in the fashion house of Robert Piguet.

From 1940 until 1945, Christine worked for the House of Lucien Lelong as the primary designer. This was a very difficult time for the fashion, because the Nazi’s were the only ones who had the cash to buy couture dresses. So as in every business… you make a deal with the devil – and you have hell to pay… So the few fashion Houses that were in Paris had no choice but to work for the Nazi women and the French Collaborators. (Not a prideful time)

In a interesting side note- Christine‘s sister ,Catherine served as a member of the French Resistance and was captured by the Gestapo, and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp – later freed by the Allies.

As for Dior’s statement in fashion – a few constant trends seem to be obvious…the very thin waist (pulled in by a statement belt), and lots of fabric…lots of it!

To create the flowing from the hips, curves… but lots of it…keep in mind,during this time in history fabric was a rationed item so to create the puffy hips , it took fabric . It’s sad to see current fashions trying to make women, who have curves, and were encouraged to emphasize these female facts, and now asked to become like a pole- with no curves…

With the likes of Dior and Jean Patou and Jeanne Lavin & Nina Ricci, Paris because the fashion capital with the end of WW2. Dior’s looks are a celebration of the women and their curves. And the hats were big and bold –I like them very much!

Dior died in Italy in 1957…now the cause is up for debate. Some say it was a fish bone and it caused a heart attack. Some say, he was losing in a card game, and had a heart attack. The there is the other side…saying he had a very active sexual encounter with a younger man…and had a heart attack. (I did not have to tell you he was gay, you already knew right??) Also, he made the cover of Time magazine !! I do not think that is very common …

The store looked very clean from the outside ( I never go inside ..why torture myself ? ) In the windows, the classic female line still continues …

and I can’t forget the shoes !

but I also did a Youtube search – and found the new designer for Dior..is trying to save fabric ?? I wonder why ?? does he think another war is coming ??

bises

I was introduce to Yves St. Laurent back when I was in high school . No , I was not a rich kid , more like the opposite, i found a job working in a department store, and they assigned me to the Fragrance dept . The funny thing, most of the girls did not want this job – they wanted to work with clothes .. I was OK with smelling like a french whore ( ha ) .. I remember .when I finished my shift and came home – only for my family to demand I take a shower due to the multi layers of perfume made their eyes water .. I was fine .. I never had a problem, with the customers using my arm as a tester .. And lets just say .. during those years .everyone received baskets of perfume samples .. I loved that job.

One scent that was very popular was YSL’ s Opium. I could not stand the scent ! I found it too strong – but the ladies loved it, and the store sold it by the gallons.

I fell in love with the other scent – the opposite side of the scale. RIVE GAUCHE was the scent that I liked to push. I liked it for 3 reasons; it was french – so it had to be good. The scent was very clean smelling, with a very faint scent of floral as a top note, which was perfect for the office . Everyone should smell clean at the office , right ? My favorite part was it was sold in a canister !! What a great idea ! Perfect for the girl on the move! Who wants to travel around with a glass bottle and chance it breaking? I can tell you, my can of RG , had dents in it , and I had no problem with the sprayer or leaks , I loved it

Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent ( yes that is his name .. can it get any longer ? ) born Aug 1 , 1936 .died June 1, 2008. He was raised in Algeria with 2 other sisters – who got the first taste of brother designer. YSL was gay – no children ( don’t go there ).

At 18, Yves moved to Paris – where his style caught the eyes of French Vogue Editor – Michel , who knew somebody, who knew somebody .. who introduced young Yves to Doir . This was where he took off – he became the head designer for the House at age 21 !! This is not normal of course, so you can see- this talent was beyond his years. YSL list of hits is long ; ( besides Rive Gauche perfume)

The “trapeze dress”, was one of his designs that saved the House of Dior, and moved him into international fame. Also, the beatnik look;

safari jackets for men and women; tight pants; tall, thigh-high boots;(still hot looking and popular ) and arguably the most famous classic tuxedo suit for women in 1966,

the Le Smoking. He also started mainstreaming the idea of wearing silhouettes from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. YSL was also the first designer to bring prêt-à-porter (ready to wear) fashions to the public. (thank you YSL ).When he opened his boutique on the Left Bank, his first client was Catherine Deneuve !! is that cool ?

As with everything – there is a price. YSL’s drugs & drinking were well known in the business. Its been said, that sometimes the models had to hold him up, for his collection catwalk. In 2002, YSL closed the ” House”, due to his poor health. The name YSL was purchased by Gucci, and Hedi Slimane, is the designer for the YSL ready to wear line. (which made more money than the couture line for years)

Yves and Pierre Berge , who were couple since the 1960′s and, had a civil union in 2008, a month later Yves died of brain cancer, in June 2008.

So off , I went to view the windows of YSL – only to find disappointment ! There was no smoking jacket update, or a cool dress ! Just a very large pocketbook .. with a lock on it .. really … do you think that little gold lock will stop a thief ?? really ?? I looked into the door, and could only see, jeans and black tops .. nothing much . I dare not go in . the guard was watching me ..he knew I was not there to shop ..maybe he knew ..that little lock would not stop a person like me .. ha

I am attaching the link, for the “spring ” line ..which is black .. i do like black for spring – and its not catching on in Paris either ..

bises

Sunday, April 07, 2013

I have found a small job in the most exclusive area in Paris the 8th Arr. ( by accident) , or was it the Fashion Gods’ way of telling me to get a clue ..

Every day, I walk past the ” Names”, that are Paris’s Fashion Gods. I do get a small sense of enjoyment walking past these expensive windows , knowing that in some small Chinese factory copies are being made . I see this as economic karma hitting back, at the designers , who do not want to pay a fair wage to American or European workers .. but that is another blog…

Today is LV , the company started in 1854, with the simple design of a flat top steam truck. This was a new idea – to make them stackable , most were designed like a doctors bag – rounded on the top. Think of the movie “Titanic”, with all those rich women going on that ship , you know, they needed lots of room for all those gowns, and hats ! ( love hats) !!
These LV trunks , were made for the rich – from the start. Some opened up like a mini closet on one side- and the other a small chest of drawers.

Well, LV has come a long way baby from the steam ship trunks. This brand is one the of biggest Gods over here. Every day, I take the metro to school & work, and never had a LV free day yet ! His traditional colors of brown & gold , still are a fashion classic here. I find this very strange , because most french women do not wear brown or gold at all . Even the winter coats are black ..so this bag , never ” matches ” ..yes, I know, what you are saying – that is old fashion to match .. maybe .. but I still like the look ..

It seems, that LV is now taking on a checkered style as a new signature under designer Marc Jacobs . It was everywhere on the runway, and every window .. and I think, every body style can wear this. … but really .. who wants to look like a checkers game .. at that price ?? Time will tell if Marc .. did not hit the mark .. ha

Now, I will be sharing with you , LV’s spring windows .. because, I do not want to have a heart attack and go into the store and see the price tags of these things..my blood pressure is finally back to normal ..

It looks very ” Retro ” ..again.. but still in the decade I do not like .the “1960′s ” .. I love the 1920′s .. but here , you can see the VERY short dresses ( don’t bend over ) , and the big high hair ( who needs that silly ozone layer ?). For spring, it looks like they are doing yellow & bright greens .. both are colors , I would never wear. I have seen very fair skin with these colors and it looks very nice – also, these look great on darker skin .

I was very happy to see the pointed toe shoe back in style here.. or as we say back home ‘ men haters ‘, or ‘roach killers ” .. This is a classic look, that most women can wear, the trick, if you have a larger foot, is a heel is needed with this toe shape .. other wise, your foot will look like an oil tanker .. big.. and full ..

LV also did hats this spring .. I like these !!

So this ends my little notes on Louis , and as I walk & talk , ( yes, I can do that now ..) I will share with you the “windows ” , to another world .. of which, I dare not even enter.. but will always try to copy ..

bises

ps , i am attaching the link, for the Spring collection

bises http://www.louisvuitton.eu/fron
t/#/eng_E1/Collections/Wom
en/Show-Spring-Summer-2013
/stories/Women-SS-2013-Fashion-Show

French Fashion Lesson 2013- These Boots are Made for Walking
Sunday, March 17, 2013

Bonjour everyone,

It seems appropriate with last weeks’ snow fall of 6 inches, to talk about boots !

As for boots – this is OFF the chart, I have seen everything from those Ugg boots – with the fur lining, to stacked high heel boots with side hardware buckles- in very stylish. Wedge boots are very popular here too- I have seen them in micro fiber, in reds & bright blues, also in the “rugged style” with fur lining. And then there are the stiletto high heel boots .. yep .they do wear them .. in the day .. and they walk in them to the metro !!! I have even see thigh high boots on 40 year old ladies – and they are WORKING IT out ! Most of these are either in black or leopard skin colors.

Also, take some pride Americans .. a big style here, for many years , is cowgirl boots !! yep , you read right! I have seen the originals on the streets of Paris, being worn by all ages . The pointed toe , is a classic look here, ( which means more expensive ) and has shown up, in many designers collections.

So, if you visit Paris in the winter, remember, in this weather, you may be walking in rain or snow.

Parisians demand their boots must play a duel role – keeping your keep warm & looking stylish .. double duty. (ces’t bon).

Today’s snow, made me pull out my , navy rubber foot boots , with the faux suede leg. Snow, is very messy to walk in. They are the newest child from that old, duck boots. ( do you remember them ? – logical , but ugly )

As for me – this is a big transition, because back in Charleston – we do not need boots like they do in Paris. So I have had to go back to my childhood days , and create ” training boots ” yep .. sad , but true. Now, here is where you will get a chuckle – I am very cheap – as most of you know .. so spending 75 euros on boots , was something, I was thinking about( and thinking & thinking) .Trying to get out of cheaply .. and thus .came my Bargain Angel ..

One morning , walking the dogs in a very rich area, I noticed , a hug amount of clothes, that were put out on the sidewalk, but like in a presentation style , clothes on hangers hooked on the metal gate. and Shoes neatly lined up on a box .. so off to the house we went .; and looking at this, i could not believe my eyes !! There was over 8 pairs of shoes and boots , all in new condition. the clothes were in great shape too . On the house , was a sign posting, it was sold by an agent .; so i guessed, the family used this , as a way to spring clean; in November – I grasped up as much as possible ; too bad the dogs did not have back backs, I would have shoved clothes and shoes in them too!

I wear a pair of black boots, with an elastic ankle style. Its perfect for wearing with pants. It has a 2 inch square stacked heel , very stable to walk on (these are my training boots).

My haul was a total of 6 shoes, 2 pairs of boots , and clothes and one winter jacket, SCORE !! Nic could not believe I found all this .It was a lot ..

So ladies, it looks like, the Parisians buy very basic clothes – but buy colors and statement pieces with their accessories…

as the songs goes ..”these boots are made for walking ( in Paris)..”

Now comes the bottom half – let me just start with- the frenchies have NO BUTT. I have never seen so many women on the Metro , that the front & the back look so close !! No boobs , No butts – I stand out , with my C cup & ghetto butt . Most of them are a size 4 or 6, to which- they wear skinnies jeans – to show off their lack of butt. I have noticed some leggings as well, but I think- maybe they are just learning to like this item .. I think, they prefer the skinny jeans to the black leggings. The jeans now you will enjoy this .are usually very ugly .. I mean, a flashback to the 1980′s , like torn at the knees , acid washed , faded & stonewashed .. just plan ugly ! No bling at all ..I also have tried to notice if all women wear the same , regardless of age … the only difference with age , the jeans get better looking with age ..( like the wine rule ). Mature women, will not buy that torn jeans look – they buy a more polished jean – but they are still skinny, or straight legs..NEVER a boot cut or relaxed ..never . The jean is always “skimming the body ” and NEVER a panty line .. yes , I look , cause that is the only way i am learning – so women, of all ages here, buy that thing called a ‘thong” .or as some call it ‘ sling shot ‘.

I took a couple of pictures, while I was in one of my favorite stores “Carrefour”, which is showing their spring line . A couple of things should stand out for you. First- these pants are called ‘ Straight Women’ , for Americans , this means a sexual lifestyle .. and your body size … these 2 meaning have NOTHING in common with the french meanings . Carrefour, is telling us, that these pants are for females & they are straight legs. Here is the part , that I am still dealing with ….this size is called a “plus ” .. this is a size 6 !!! This kills me every time I see this . I think its a way to warn a woman , that she is getting close to the abyss .. called double digits death .. size 10.

To add just a little bit of size pressure, they have a fashion video on display. To promote the spring line, during these zero temps. The models are from that world, where everyone is 10 feet tall, and a size 2.

And in this world, girls are taught to walk at a very young age , to love high heels. While this video is on display, you can see the marketing idea .. buy these pants and you can look like this model . I can buy these pants and walk in 4″ inch heels , with no problem ! SOLD

I am also attaching some pics of what the finished looks should look like . I am very happy to share , that the classic ” french strip” or “sailor strip ” is still alive and popular & profitable.

Also , a kind of ” knock off ” of Chanel is also common- but its designed to entice the younger girls into this ” updated polish look”. This jacket is an example – where its a zipper, placed on a diagonal. Set with skinny jeans, the look is classic french .

So its monday, and after writing about the french bottoms, I know , mine is too big .. so off to DUKAN I go . No bread .. ! how can these french people stay so thin ? I may know the reason, why they drink so much wine now .. to forget about the croissants !

Bonjour,
I have been watching and observing the huge difference, in how the American’s dress for winter, and the Parisians. One basic fact of life here, is the lack of space. No other place, I have lived in, has the same challenges , (except NYC). Space is very limited, and you must always buy something, with the ever physical question of where ..are you going to put it ??

Now, you ask – why is this information, in the beginning of a fashion blog ?? wait.. i will connect the dots for you. In growing up, my Auntie had the most fashion influence on me, and in winter, she loved to travel to Vermont to ski. So with this, came the style of, turtlenecks, big bulky sweaters in either bright colors; or the winter white classic. Every sweater was the center of the style , black leggings and boots were the bottom half of this fashion equation. As I grew up, this “winter style ” stayed with me. To this day, I have a love of the big sweaters..Auntie always said, a big sweater, can make you bottom half look a size smaller ( and we all want that !) . The boots were always flat, with good lining, and black- (to not show the mud that comes with snow).

Even though, I no longer had a need for ski sweaters in VA Beach, or Charleston, I still had a small collection from my college days in NYC- when I would travel with Auntie up north. Now, some of you will not believe it, but my sweaters are an easy 20 years old, or older .. I like to get my money’s worth from clothing. I do not consider it a rag, until it starts to have visible holes, or when the yarns are so spread apart – that you can build a house in the space…yep, I still have some of my “Auntie sweaters ” .

Now that my life has changed, again.I am back to living in a cold climate. However the fashion rules are very different here. And the Parisians view this need to stay warm, very differently. First is the space problem, which we talked about above.With this, is almost the total removal of big bulky sweaters , because, to dedicate so much room in you home for a clothing item, that can’t be worn year round is not logical or acceptable to them .

Keep in mind, here clothing is considered an “investment” .. not a quick transfer of fashion styles. So like me, when the frenchies buy something, they really wear it … ALOT , so bright colors – again is not practical in this new world. The sweater must work with tons of outfits, and a bright pink bulky sweater just will not do it. So when I view sweaters for sale, most of the designs are classic strips, or cable knits. The colors are your basics- black, beige, blue & brown (the 4 B’s ). Sometimes, you will see a red or pink in a bulky style, but its not very common.

Economic side note ;( i think they still make clothes in this country !! yeah – see pic )

Next comes the elimination of the turtlenecks. Instead frenchies tend to buy a long sleeve pullover crew neck shirt. Now this, is a logical step for me. With this item – you can make it casual with jeans, and it looks classic. Or wear it as a long john ( which is what i have been doing). Also, with a suit jacket- you can dress it up, and go to the office with it. I have kept to buying the 4 B’s, and have been very satisfied with my new french fashion correction.

I like V-necks better, but they are harder to find. I picked up 2 new blue tops at a very modest price at a “walmart kind” of store called E.Leclerc (sounds like ‘le claire) ,as you can see the size is the first shocker ..yep a big 38 !! I still freak out about that HUGE number .. Also, you can see, I am trying to keep it within my selected colors of choice. Keeping it simple ..I did go for that stripped blue – that was too “french” to pass up .. and for the price – 3 & 4 euros ! SOLD (thanks Nic).

So this is my little lesson.. first – it gets COLD in Paris, and you need to dress for it. Layers are the key over here, so if you have turtles or mock necks already – bring them over, but do not buy any to come here. Bulky sweaters are not common here, so do not plan on finding great deals. If you own some ( like i do), wear them of course – but do not expect to fit in a bureau 10 bulky sweaters – they will not fit.
So when in Paris – do Parisian layering..
bises