According to Ines de la Fressange you really don’t need to be born in Paris to have a Parisian style. She was actually born in Saint-Tropez and is still today a fashion icon. Ines de la Fressange is a French model, fashion designer and perfumer. She has written a style guide called “Parisian Chic” which was one of the first books I bought when I moved to Paris. It is written as a six point guide to the Parisian gene code, this is what she says about it:
1. Outfits are out
2. Bye bye bling
3. Explore! J’ adore
4. If it feels good, wear it
5. Worship no idols
6. Beware of good taste
The Magnificent Seven are what is defined as the brilliant basics that are key to creating Parisian style in any scenario. Modeled by Inès’ daughter Nine, each of these items are demonstrated as part of a complete outfit in order to better exhibit how to incorporate exactly what she is suggesting must be in our closet:
1. The Blazer
2. The Trench
3. The Navy Sweater
4. The Tank
5. The Little Black Dress
6. The Perfect Jean
7. The 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 book also includes a guide to Ines’s secret Paris: hotels, restaurants, itineraries for unusual places to visit, and a bespoke guide to family fun. For me it’s the ultimate guide to Parisian chic.
Here’s where to buy the book:
http://www.amazon.fr/Parisian-Chic-Style-Guide-Fressange/dp/2080200739