Paris: Boulevard St. Germain
Inspiration: I love how most French women of all ages dress well every day, for every thing, no matter what. I am sure they don't have this idea that some of us Americans do -- that certain outfits (especially hats) require a special awesome moment -- which particular special awesome moment never quite materializes, mind you. For example, a certain Paul & Joe floral jumpsuit has been languishing in my closet since I purchased it last fall in Paris. At the store, I envisioned wearing it while hosting an intimate dinner party for friends at home. Until I got home and competely forgot why I had purchased it. Too nonchalant for work. A bit too much for the weekend. Alas. That's what Paris does to me. It makes me think I have this super cool and leisurely life back home that I don't really have! I don't have time to cook! I barely have time to think. And people rarely entertain in their apts. in New York. We eat out. Finally, I just wore it on a weekend a few weeks ago to run errands. He asked me where I was going all dressed up. The grumpy guy at the deli paid me a compliment. And three people stopped me on the street to ask me where I purchased it. I wear it in Paris and not a soul notices or thinks anything remarkable is going on. Because here, looking really nice is expected. In fact, it is part of one's civic duty!
That's really beautiful.
Posted by: JustinaVeraMaria | October 1, 2012 at 07:59 AM
excellent composition here and a great context to back it up.
Posted by: the nyanzi report | October 1, 2012 at 09:06 AM
Beautiful photo.
And I totally understand what you mean. I come from a small italian town where there are very precise canons about what to wear and when to wear certain clothes. But since I started university I realized that I have to wear what I want, when I want. Otherwise, beautiful dresses remain in the closet for months, only worn once or twice, when maybe I feel more comfortable with them instead of jeans and t-shirt.
Posted by: AlliceS | October 1, 2012 at 09:44 AM
Yes, but also there is no room for looking casual, which sometimes is tiresome. In the US I don't wear make up every single day, and I'm ok to bring my kid to school in a running outfit which is out of the question in Paris. In Paris, when girls don't wear make up - or women, people will ask them if they are sick, or why they look so tired.
Posted by: Carole | October 1, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Carole: Yes -- that's true. I do like that I can run errands right after the gym still wearing my work-out clothes without having to worry about whether I am breaking some socially mandated dress code. But lets face facts: the U.S. takes casual to a WHOLE other level, which can be somewhat abysmal.
Posted by: The Photodiarist | October 1, 2012 at 02:01 PM
Hi there, glad you can have a dialogue, I missed your beautiful photos! I guess both sides have their negative and positive sides. When in Paris I miss the American lifestyle so much, sometimes I'm partisan. But that's true that in Paris almost everybody tries to look their best all the time... Which is a good sight :) glad you're here and having a good time!
Posted by: Carole | October 2, 2012 at 02:33 AM
Someday I'll get there! It's even more laid back in California where long pants with your flip flops is considered getting dressed up! LOL! Stop by...raising cancer awareness/cure! http://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2012/10/do-you-know-someone-with-cancer.html
Posted by: Lisa Petrarca | October 2, 2012 at 03:22 AM
Really love this photo. Hope you having a great time.
Posted by: Colleen Conradie | October 4, 2012 at 10:43 AM
Thanks Colleen! I am having an absolutely wonderful time! Thank you!
Posted by: The Photodiarist | October 4, 2012 at 03:49 PM