There’s no other city in the world like…

Paris.

The City of Lights. The City of Love. The City of Style.

Everywhere you look, there is inspiration begging to be had.

Architectural. Artistic. Abstract.

In the word of fashion, there is no greater mecca. It is a place where style is truly effortless, as the pulse of each Parisian beats to the hum of the runway. There is no greater joy than walking the grand boulevards, the small streets and the vibrant parks of Paris and seeing the fashions of the city come alive. People watching is the number one activity to do on any visit to Paris, especially from the vantage of an outdoor café in St Germain de Pres or Le Marais. Even lying in the Luxembourg Gardens on a glorious Autumn afternoon is a veritable feast for the senses as Parisians young and old come out to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

The most magical aspect of being a fashionista in Paris is not (necessarily!) the plethora of high end designers that call the city home, or the ability to take that quick trip to Milan or London on a weekend whim - it is the inherent sense of style and understanding that comes with living in the fashion capital of the world. There is no pretense. These people are stylish – and they know it.  

Ok, ok, a huge generalisation. Perhaps I am buying into the clichéd idealism people from outside of France are led to believe. Holding a country, a city, in such high esteem that it can do no wrong. Scratch the surface and you will find Paris has its own fair share of the issues any metropolis across the globe can relate to. And well, maybe, just maybe, not every single Parisian looks as though they have just walked straight out of a fashion house window on the Champs Elysees.   

Who cares? If you have been to Paris, you know, this place is special all the same. If you have not been to Paris, everything you’ve heard is true. Walking the city during the day or cycling the city at twilight – Paris is one place that exceeds all expectations and more. 

When coming to Paris, you must revel in the awe that is the Eiffel Tower sparkling majestically in the night sky, or the overwhelming beauty that is the Louvre, or Notre Dame, or the historic banks of the River Seine, but above all, on any trip to the French capital, always endeavour to discover the unseen feel of the City - listen, smell, feel, hear and see its heart and you will soon discover that Paris' heart beats faster than any other. 

Just remember - in Paris, do as the Parisians do - wear layers, stick with a base of neutral colours (especially black!), add a splash of colour or pattern here and there (polka dots are making there way back!) and always, always have a scarf handy to add a sense of flair and aforethought to any look.

PS - what’s in vogue this autumn in Paris? Designer Coke Light of course!

brandmaker (SC!) - from Paris :)