Vogue du Jour: Vogue on the Streets: Parisian Style

(From the Sartorialist and Sartorialist on Style.com)

Sigh....how do these Parisians do it? Some say it's their certain 'je ne sais quoi'...and as I sit here writing this while listneing to Charlotte Gainsbourg (haha, am I overdoing it?) I don't doubt there is something singularly special about these Parisians.

I think Coco Chanel explained it best in these two statements:

"Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity"

"Elegance is refusal"

(Clockwise from top left: imperolog.com, Japan Elle, Stylescout, the Sartorialist)

And this is how even if you're wearing brick red mammoth sized glasses you are still unbearably heart achingly chic.

I'd say their 'chic' amounts to their innate sense of how to pick a statment piece and build the rest of your outfit around it. This is how they wear their flair for an air of laissez faire. No Parisian will ever look like they're trying too hard....they know there is sophistication in restraint. No kitchsy overdose of trends, Parisians don't desire adoration from the philistine masses, they command admiration from the all knowing few. Whether it's the contrast of a fashion forward skirt with a classic oxford shirt, or trousers + spectator shoes to tone down the flaming femininity of a fuschia coat, they never forget to dress with a raison d'etre.

To build upon a central idea, the surrounding palette for French dress consists of complementary and understated pieces. And they NEVER forget the accentuating power of accessories. Scarves, hats, well made bags and shoes, can go very far to keep a look in du jour terms and add a touch of luxury. Despite all the careful coordination required, even the essence of said planning is refined by undone hair, bunched up sleeves or a 'bare' face. Call it a roadmap towards effortless chic...this is far from the hell of vulgarity.

(Japan Elle & the Sartorialist)

Don't doubt that such an immaculate conception applies to a mere outfit, actually it applies to their entire wardrobe! Their timeless emphasis for quality over quantity is eternally embodied in their dress. Be it a fur coat (and do they ever love their fur), a wonderfully structured dress/skirt, or a well tailored trench, they forgo absorbing every trend like a mindless sponge and instead acquire investment pieces trusting all else will fall into place. Nothing will shine the spotlight brighter on a starring piece than an understated, classic background.

And this is the sheer manisfestation of luxury!