Again, I want to say "thank you!" for all the well-wishes I received for my trip to Paris last week. I had a great time (oh the delicious food and fabulous museums!), despite a few minor snags. (One, the weather- It was cold and raining every day! I didn't bring enough warm clothes. ;) Two, the employee strikes. The hotel we were staying at was in its first week of an employee strike. Even at the Palace of Versailles, there was an employee strike going on!)The Parisian women (in general) are gorgeous and stylish, (which is expected, considering the city's unique and rich history with fashion). While there, I could not help noticing a few fashion trends that were very popular- which I listed below. I am sure J.Crew will incorporate some of them with its future collections (and in some cases, they already have).
Boxy, swingy jackets. These jackets were everywhere! Not a fitted jacket in sight when it came to the retail stores! Even jackets that were meant to be belted were worn without the belt. For example... I was at my hotel when I noticed one of the patrons was wearing J.Crew's Frenchie Slicker (Item 11293; Regular $165.00, now $69.99-89.99), without the belt. (Yes! I spotted J.Crew everywhere in Paris- and I loved it!)J.Crew has been offering a lot more of these jackets the past few seasons. I predict that they will continue to in the foreseeable future.
Tight, skinny jeans. It was clear who were the tourists from America - because we were all (including myself) wearing dark trouser jeans. But the fashionable Parisians were all sporting skinny jeans in a variety of washes and colors. This look is great for those who are tall and lean- but what about the rest of us? ;)
Loose suit jackets. The suit jackets with tight jeans was another big look. The jackets were not fitted as they had more of a looser shape (which makes it look a bit more like men's suiting). Moreover, the sleeves were rolled up for a more casual look.
Gladiator & Boot-like sandals. This look was everywhere. There were lots of versions of these styles too. Some wore sandals that laced up to their knees. While others wore gladiator sandals with fringe detailing on the front. I also noticed several women wearing sandals with a wraparound the ankle, like it was a sandal boot.Harem Bottoms. Also, known as MC Hammer pants. These pants & shorts were everywhere! (Refer to here to see Madewell's email promoting them.) And they were almost always worn by pretty & young women. Honestly, none of them looked good with the style- and if they can't "work it", I can definitely not! ;)
What are your thoughts on these trends? Are you a fan of any of them? Are there any trends you are hoping doesn't make it to the States (e.g. I nominate the Harem pants!)? ;)
I'm glad you had a great time. Bummer about the employee strikes and chilly willy weather.
ReplyDeleteI arrived back in New Jersey from Paris the weekend you left. I definitely noticed the skinny jeans and gladiator sandals, although I'm seeing gladiator sandals everywhere in America, too. When I was in Paris it was quite warm for several days. My husband and I noticed that the women always wore jackets and leggings or tights no matter how warm. And they were always rockin' scarves.
I thought the Parisian women had an elegance about them, but the constant smoking was a bit of a turnoff for me. I heart America and our smoking bans. :)
As for the male trends, I found everything to be skinny and very fitted. And the men wore lots of dark colors.
Did you buy anything? I bought some fab costume jewelry, but other than that I didn't buy any designer goods. The Louis Vuitton store was fierce, but that stuff is way out of my price range at the moment. And it's so much more expensive in Paris than here. The Chanel flagship was so awesome. If only I were a millionaire....
Great you had a good time! Thanks for reviewing the styles you saw there! It was fun reading it!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, this post really impressed me. I thought bloggers jet off to vacation, return and it's business as usual. And here is your post, a report back of the trends you saw in Paris. It's a pleasant surprise, and I like how you spotted some J.crew over there as well. I'm glad you had a good time, and glad that you are back. The comments turned into a bit of circus at times.
ReplyDeleteVery awesome post, Alexis! And I'm glad you had fun. It's my dream to travel all over Europe one of these days, but until that happens I'll just have to read your blog and cry.
ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeleteThank you to share the new trendy with us. I like all the ideas. Looks like the new style is leaving the sassy behind and welcome the tomboy.
Personally, I love boxy jackets and the oversized men's wear jackets. I never belt my trench coat. So all these "trends" sound great to me:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!
Interesting to hear of all the JCrew sitings. So how are the Parisians getting their JCrew fix, ebay?
ReplyDeleteAs far as the trends, I think JCrew has done a good job on making a moderate gladiator, not too overdone. Paris can keep the harem pants, please!
No Way! MC Hammer Pants! Perfect, just in time for his new reality show. Oh boy, some dead trends should just stay dead!
ReplyDeleteGlad u had a good time!
~JB
I am going to Paris this summer. Are LV bags really more expensive in Paris? I heard they were less expensive and was planning to buy one.
ReplyDeleteI actually do all except the harrem pants...lol mc hammer pants.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Paris a couple of times, and the first time I went I realized that NY was not the fashion capitol of the world...paris is.
Wonderful breakdown, Alexis!
Hi Alexis, glad that you had a good time in Paris (yes, I can be cold and rainy in the summer) and thank you for the fashion report.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand the the boyfriend jacket/skinny pants look: there is something French about it (think Jeanne Moreau). And I'm happy to hear that they traded boots for gladiators (I have been living there for 8 years and they used to wear boots in the summer. The cold weather helps!)
I'm also curious about the Jcrew spotting: were there a lot of American tourists?
Faith,
ReplyDeleteBecause of the weak dollar, LV bags are definitely more expensive in Paris than in the U.S. at the moment. Right now, the only benefit is the opportunity to buy styles that aren't available in the U.S. And there definitely are fabulous ones.
Also, be warned: I believe you can only bring back to the U.S. 1 or 2 new designer bags. You may want to check into that.
When my parents went to Paris in 2001 but pre-9/11, they hooked up me and my sisters with our very own LV bag. They definitely got a deal, because the dollar was so strong AND there were no penalties to bring the bags back to the U.S. But, my mom and dad said you literally had to sign up in a book at the LV store to have sales associate help you THE NEXT DAY. LV was so busy, there was a freakin wait list. Now, you walk right in and there's plenty of sales people to help you. The only exception I would say is Sundays, when most stores are closed. LV stayed open and is packed.
Hope this helps you!
Welcome back, Alexis. Isn't Paris a great people-watching city? Last year when I was there I noticed gladiator sandals were all the rage as well as chiffon-like tunics worn with leggings. Took about a year for gladiators to become mainstream in America... so does that mean in a year our "eye" will get used to it and we'll start wearing harem pants then?! Hah, perish the thought!
ReplyDeleteI like the look of skinny jeans/boyfriend jacket worn with gladiators. I've been wearing that combo since last fall, using a vintage boyfriend jacket. Hope JC comes out with a nice boyfriend style this fall-- the jacket, not pants (the slouchy pants look doesn't work on my frame).
Thanks for the Paris fashion report! It would be interesting, if any JCAs go abroad this year, to share their fashion observations on this board too.
welcome back! sorry to hear about the weather, it was actually too hot when i was there and i hadn't packed enough summery clothes.
ReplyDeletei too noticed the gladiator sandals and really, really skinny jeans. some girls were so well dressed, i kept wondering what they do for a living and if they all work in the fashion industry.
i never got to go to the store that you have suggested on my blog, the one that is similar to anthropologie. did you do any fun shopping while you were there?
Thanks for the report! But the thought of harem pants...just doesn't do it for me. But who knows, maybe JC will find a way to make a modified version that works?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Alexis!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree about the harem pants! Thanks for sharing and glad to see you back :)
Thanks for the great comments on Parisian women and their fashions! And how fun that you spotted J Crew in Paris. I laughed when you mentioned that the Americans were in their trouser jeans because I am wearing my dark trouser jeans at the moment and they are my favorite! I think I could embrace the boxy swingy jackets and perhaps the skinny jeans. but definitely not the harem pants!!
ReplyDeletethe skinny jeans and the boyfriend blazer is already everywhere here in US. Actually for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Great fashion report from across the pond. I shudder at the thought of harem pants, yikes.
ReplyDeleteNewYork0311, Cyclone, The Outfit of the Day, Lyssa, Cheryl, HeidiG, & Stacie: Thanks for the nice words about the post! :) Also, I really hope the harem pants don't catch on here! ;)
ReplyDeleteChloe: I love your comments! They always make me laugh. :)
Jersey09: You are so right about the tights! I forgot to add that to my list. Black tights were the most popular. I ended up buying two pairs myself.
And I am with you about loving the smoking bans in America. :) I was sitting at a cafe (on the street portion- where your seat and table are crammed next to one another) and a guy lit up a cigarette in my face practically. Then he kept pouring the ashes on my foot. Ugh!
Genny: You were ahead of the trends with the non-belting of trench coats, and probably didn't know it! :) I saw a lot of women in the Galleries Lafayette (sp?) that did exactly that- and they looked amazing too.
IRL: I suspect most of the ladies I spotted wearing J.Crew were Americans themselves, just like me. ;) And I hear you about J.Crew's take on the gladiator- much more delicate (& prettier) than some of the versions I saw in Paris.
JB: The hammer pants were too much for me. I just couldn't understand how that was "cool".
Faith2009: I am going to generalize here, but Parisians love quality merchandise (e.g. handbags) but do NOT care for labels on the bag. It was very interesting to see the tourists all sporting the LV bags with the logos all over it, while the Parisians carried similar LV bags, sans LV logo.
They aren't too flashy with the brand names on their clothes- even though they look like a million bucks. I also stopped by the LV store at the Champs-Élysées, and its definitely worth a visit to state at the store layout! :)
Ema: Thanks! Also, there were LOTS of American tourists- everywhere! In all fairness, I went to all the super-touristy spots. And I know the French get the reputation for being rude- I found the opposite to be true all three times I have been there. This last time, I found them to be exceptionally nice.
The only area that could be considered rude is the attitude about waiting in lines. Americans & the British believe in cues, waiting for ones turn, with enough physical space between you and the person before you. The French don't care for cues or personal space while waiting in lines. ;)
Tres Tippy: Too funny! I remember hearing how hot it was in Paris the week before I went. So I packed a lot of summer clothes, including my J.Crew Belle skirt. Alas, it was freezing most days (the rain, and strong wind made strolling around the streets miserable sometimes). ;)
I did end up visiting Nice Day Nice Things (which is now just Nice Things) and got a few little items. But to be honest, I didn't do a lot of shopping there. :)
Shopper555: I love my trouser jeans too! :) I even brought two pairs with me- but it was very clear that wasn't the style they were going for. ;) Interestingly though, there were several Gaps in the city and they all had wide pants for their upcoming summer line. However, no one was wearing them.
Happy to hear you had a great time in Paris! thanks for the Paris fashion review--very interesting!!
ReplyDeleteTina: I hear you about the Harem pants! ;)
ReplyDeletePetunia: Thanks! :)
Alexis and others -- forgive the pestering questions. I'm off to Europe, including Paris, in a couple of weeks. If you were to take only one pair of pants (plus 2 each of skirts, bermudas, dresses) would you pick J. Crew bootcut jeans (can't do skinnies!) or the old Madison stretch chinos in black or dark grey?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the report. Sorry the weather didn't cooperate. As for strikes, they usually make things more interesting. . . for me, anyhow.
oh no! anything but the MC Hammer pants!! They look like diapers!
ReplyDeleteZoë Moët: I know, I know! Of all the things from the late 80's, early 90's, the fashion world decided to revive the Harem pants. They really *do* look like adult diapers. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteFidele: Congrats on your upcoming trip!!! I wish you great weather. :) My vote... I think taking bootcut jeans is a great idea. [While I was on my trip, I was wondering why I didn't bring one pair of bootcut jeans instead of two trouser jeans. ;) ]
Also, while I was in Paris, I was surprised by how many women were wearing high heels (2inches or more) with block like heels. This really "wowed" me considering how many streets were partially cobblestone (which kill your feet, even with the most comfiest pair). Don't get sucked into wearing heels for long walks, because you will definitely feel the pain after wards. ;) Although I wouldn't recommend sneakers (like Nikes) either (another sign you are an American tourist). However, a lot of locals were wearing Converse All-stars- which seem the acceptable alternative to sneakers. (Sorry for the additional unsolicited advice.) :)
I've been to Paris twice, and LOVED looking at the fashions. I want to go back just to see what they are wearing. It's so much more up to date than here (even for NY). I have been thinking lately that I wish I could get an idea of what Parisian women are wearing, so THANKS ALEXIS! :)
ReplyDeleteTo those of you who are interested in purchasing items/handbags. The prices are definitely better, even with the exchange rate. I attribute that to the custom fees, etc that get added to imported mechandise. It may only be $50 cheaper, with the exchange rate however.
I recommend accessing the european websites where the euro amount is listed, and then do a currency exchange online in that amount to get an idea of what the item will cost. I bought several Longchamp bags at the boutique in Paris, and they were DEFINITELY less expensive there than here, even with the less than favorable currency rate.
fidele - I would definitely go a little more dressy than casual for Paris. Black pants are always safe, but they wear a lot of denim too...And you cannot go wrong with basic ballet flats. :)
Welcome Back Alexis!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tres bon posting regarding Paris. As always, your observations are v. insightful & make a great sounding board for the fab JCA posters.
I have to agree w my fellow JCAs when I say: "nonononono!" to the harem pants & skinny jeans. I'm a curvy petite & I just can't see either working for my silhouette. Very much a goldilocks situation "These pants are toooo big, & these pants are toooo small!" **SIGH*** I guess it's a good thing that I plan on wearing more skirts this season.
I'm esp. thankful for the observations re jackets. I had gone on a spending spree a little while ago & bought some sized-down reg. suiting jackets on super sale. I've been on the fence for a while now about them as the aren't quite as tailored as my usual petite cut. However, I'm take another spin through the o'l closet mix 'n match to see if they might pull off the boyfriend look you described. Who knows, perhaps I was being unconsciously fashion forward :}
Thanks again for the great post.
Hope your visit was enjoyable despite the weather!
Merci,
Heather:D
I actually like harem pants! No, I don't have any and I probably won't be buying any, either. But I think they look really cool in the Ralph Lauren ads on that model (Valentina?). There's something very elegant and skirt-like about them. We'll just have to wait and see if they really catch on here...
ReplyDeleteAlexis! Glad you had fun on the trip. Sorry about the weather!
ReplyDeleteBTW-- There's also a smoking ban in Paris-- it's just inside restaurants and bars, though, without any restrictions of being x distance from the outside. There's nothing I love more than having cafe or lunch outdoors with a side of smoke... :(
Faith2009: As mentioned, the exchange rate right now does not favor Americans, so luxury goods might tend to be more than what you'd pay in the U.S. However, there may be some items that are not available in the U.S. that could be unique to purchase. As a non-EU citizen, you can receive the tax refund when you leave the country at the customs section in the airport. I'm not sure how much it is or if it's worth it, but if you're going to spend on designer bags (or even a few hundred euros), it's worth checking out.
If anyone wants to be truly Parisian, everyone carries the Longchamp "Le Pliage" bag for everyday. I'm not sure why-- probably because it's easy and not that expensive?
Fidele: I'd take the jeans only because there'd be more ways to wear them (dress up or down), but it might get too hot-- if you are going to Spain, etc.-- to wear jeans.
Thanks, Alexis and Audrey and JC --
ReplyDeleteThat's it, then, the *one* pair of pants I'll take, for air-conditioned planes, the odd cold day, etc., will be the dark rinse boot cuts. We're trying to pack light. My main walking shoes will be some Naot sandals, ballet flats for fancier, and running shoes only for really running or hiking. I remember how the Parisians stared at my black Reeboks in the 80s! Ha!
Any report on color schemes?
thanks everyone. I'll be sure to post after I get back.
Great post Alexis! I was in Paris at the end of May for my honeymoon and it was a blast! I definitely noticed the trends that you mentioned. I also noticed a lot of short booties/boots being worn nearly everywhere by women. Although I would never try it, I actually though that Parisian women were able to carry off those harem pants. They look super comfy, but I'm almost certain that they would not fly here.
ReplyDeleteAs for LV purchases -- my friend and I met up at the flagship store and she purchased her first LV. Her LV (Speedy) was cheaper than it is here, especially when you consider the detax refund (I think she got 12% back). As for bringing things back through customs, you can bring back $800 worth of items tax-free. After that, you are charged, I think, 3% per every $1000. I know this is terrible, but some people don't even declare truthfully and the customs officials weren't really detailed. I didn't bring back anything close to $800 and they barely glanced at my customs form.
I'm so glad you had a nice time, Alexis! Thank you for taking time to post about the trends you saw, too! I actually like all of them, and I'm sure the harem pants can be very cute depending on how you wear them. Odds are that J.Crew will more than likely come out with their own version, since they seem to be following the trends a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. I am glad you had a enjoyable safe trip. Thanks for the Paris on the street fashion update. What a great read.
ReplyDeleteI say no way to Hammer dont hurt me pants! ;0)
Alexis, I was worried that the French were stylistically perfect; now I keep imaging streets filled with women wearing MC Hammer pants signing 'can't touch this'.
ReplyDeleteAny tips or insights as to what the men wearing wearing or trends with them you saw?
Thanks again.
Hey everybody --
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to have some fashion advice from those whose taste is similar to yours and can even *understand* why you want to look approprie in Paris!
Anyhow, Posey Ford had some great harem pants pix on her blog
http://www.poseyford.com/2009/06/todays-wears-remember-me.html
And I can't say they're all that flattering, French or not!! ha!!
Hi fidele,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, reeeeaaaly hesitant about the harem pants. Most esp after some of the ones I've seen on the Fashion police website of late, case in point;
http://www.thefashionpolice.net/2009/02/the-harem-hall-of-shame-part-2.html
Also, they have been running a "What to wear w gladiator sandals" post for a few days now
Guess its a trend in the UK as well.
http://www.thefashionpolice.net/2009/06/what-to-wear-with-gladiator-sandals-part-4.html#more
However, I have to admit, my fav is the LV band aids:
http://www.thefashionpolice.net/2009/06/louis-vuitton-leather-band-aids-for-the-fashionably-wounded.html#comments
I guess my cookie monster ones wouldn't make it on the runway.
Ok, now I have an image of some poor woman in a t-shirt, harem pants, gladiator sandals & LV band aids stuck in my head. Please excuse me while I go looking for some mental floss.
Heather:D
JC, Heather, FFM, Fiyah, Fidele: Thanks for the nice words. I am happy to be back. Although I miss the food! ;)
ReplyDeleteSallyO: I am curious if the Harem pants will catch on here as well. :) To be honest, I would be a little surprised, but we will have to wait and see. ;)
Audrey: I didn't know there was a smoking ban! That is good to know for next time. :)
SuLi: Congrats again on your wedding!!! :)
JCrew Guy In Canada: I have to say the French guys know how to dress! In general, I saw tight (for jeans) and well-fitted pants (like suit pants). They also rocked the scarf look. Fitted butted downs with the roll up cuffs. I also saw a lot of pointy or round pointed brown and black shoes. (The shoes were kept up- polished, looking like new.) Again, it was easy to tell the male tourists (like my husband) from the trendy locals. ;)
As soon as I come back from a trip, I start to miss terribly every time the food I ate and tasted during 1-2 weeks of my vacation. It's cool that there's different technology now, as well as the internet and fast shipping, so if you want to buy incredible salmon roe - click here. Probably not all online grocery are considered trusted, but I personally find Gourmet to be a great site for choosing interesting and original products.
ReplyDelete