In the book’s first section, Dress Like a Parisian, Inès de la Fressange lists her “Magnificent Seven” wardrobe basics: a man’s blazer, trench coat, navy sweater, tank top, little black dress, jeans and leather jacket. She also suggests affordable shopping alternatives—including Monoprix and Gap—for those of us whose budgets don’t run to a Burberry trench or YSL tuxedo jacket. The beauty who’s photographed wearing these basics is not the author, but her lovely 17-year-old daughter, Nine d’Urso. (A budding style icon in her own right, d’Urso was recently chosen as the international face of Bottega Veneta’s inaugural fragrance, which will debut in September.)
Fressange is generous with her “don’ts”. Shoes? “Nothing looks worse than a girl tottering about on unmanageable heels! So she wants to look sexy? The key to sex appeal is a feline walk, not a precarious wobble.” Jewelry? “Never wear a necklace and earrings at the same time—too much!”
Dressing children? “Avoid mixing too many loud prints. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean you should dress them like clowns.” And her do’s are just as much fun to read: “Stepping boldly into boutiques that don’t appear to be for you—the essence of Parisian style!” Or “Be passionate about a man, a project, a house. It’s an instant facelift.”
These photos shows perfect Parisian Chic which you can wear to the cafes, meeting up with friends, shopping and enjoying the day, Parisian style. I will be on the look out for the best dressed at Le Style's upcoming event, L'Heure du Thé, a lavish French High Tea which also supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation. I am very sure it will be a great competition amongst fashionable Melbournians. xoxo
