Ines Rules...

Ines de la Fressange is one of France's iconic fashionistas! She has written a book entitled, Parisian Chic which I received as a Christmas present this year from a thoughtful relative. Within the book she offers pointers on how to dress like a Parisian, building a wardrobe around only seven affordable basics mixed with great accessories. She also writes the book as her secret guide to Paris, her favorite sources for clothing, beauty products, and decorating finds, restaurants, places to visit, etc.

   Inez in her office.

A great gift is meant to be shared so I thought it might be fun to relay some of her sage advice. First, her six point guide to getting Parisian Style...

1. Outfits are out!

Coordination is a crime- mix it up! A clever mix of chic and cheap is what hits the jackpot when it comes to dressing a la Parisienne. Copying the latest runway styles verbatim is not dressing with flair.

                     (Merci':BronteIsobel)

                             (Merci':ReasonstoBreathe)

(Merci':FashionDetails)

2. Bye Bye Bling!

 Never look rich with glitter and logos. A true Parisian is not interested in spending for it's own sake and supporting labels for show. She seeks chic, demands quality and defines luxury by buying a brand that guarantees good taste rather than the all too obvious price tag.

                             (Merci':FortheLoveofPretty)

                              (Merci':DailyDoseofStuff)

                                  Ines


3. Explore! J'Adore!

 The Parisian loves discovering new labels, especially if they are well priced.

4. If it Feels Great, Wear it!

You will never hear a Parisian complain that her skirt is too short, her pants too tight,  or her heels too high. The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear! If you don't, go home and change!

                             (Merci':SuchaPrettyWorld)

                              (Merci':Lazurah)

                        (Merci':Marilynne)

                             (Merci': AtlanticPacificBlogspot)

5. Worship No Idols!

The Parisian never worships fashion idols. She is a fashion icon in her own right and she adores her super-stylish best friend ( every Parisian has one) who sports a look all her own, never out-dated, all the while sailing serenely towards a certain age. If she has a fashion icon she won't be famous. Like the best designers, she takes inspiration from the street.

                                                       (Merci':Revesdeluxe)

                     (Merci':WhereistheCool)

                             (Merci':Dancemetotheendofluv)

                                 (Merci':Haterock)

6. Beware of Good Taste!

Know how to take liberties with fashion's sacred dictates. Some rules are meant to be broken ( no white after Labor Day for instance for us Americans as an example) If you love orange dresses with yellow shoes? Go for it! Wear what you love and everyone will probably want to copy you some day. Fashion is constantly evolving and that is what makes it so interesting.

                       (Merci':MarieClaire)

               

              (Merci':AllthingsStylish)

                      (Merci':GrownandSexy)

                         (Merci': Acapulcoagogo)

Stay tuned this week for further "fashionastions" from Ines....
Click on Post Deux for the "Guide to Brilliant Basics". Click on Ines's Golden Rule #1. Click on her thoughts about "Dressing Your Age".