Once upon a time my Sister talked me into attending the Black Friday Sales. Am I going today, no, no, no! There is not a sale in the world (well maybe a nice new sparkly Land Rover for economy car price) that will entice me to leave the comfort of home. Last weekend I had some shopping errands at IKEA, Costco and a few other stops. Even then the crowds were unbelievable! I have simplified gift giving over the last few years, but I have also found that closer to the Holiday, prices are good. Selection may be a little more limited, but I can always find something.
Another view from the Seine on the Eiffel Tower.
That said, a recent trip to clothing stores have continued to prove that quality construction is probably a thing of the past in ready-to-wear. In contrast, a little visit to Marcy Tilton's blog illustrates that quality is not dead, at least in Paris. She and Katherine have been there for the last month and have hosted one of their wonderful tours for sewists. Here is the link to her blog if you are interested:
http://www.marcytilton.com/index.php?cid=1703
The recent highlights focused on fashion trends. Paris style. They are:
- Even in the city of lights, the economy has affected fashion. Colors are muted with pops of brights. Gray is predominate. Punches of purple, orange and kelly green in scarves and sweaters add accents. They noted time and again that the street shops are virtually empty except for week ends. Some of the lovely fabric shops and specialty shops are closing.
- Polka dots are big. Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney have dots on everything. In my fashion formative years, polka dots were warm weather wear only. Like white shoes only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, that seems to be passe.
- Zippers are on everything. In seams, not in seams, on sleeves and hems.
- Speaking of seams, frayed edges are also on trend. Chanel has beautiful interpretations of this trend. Marcy also remarked that Chanel seems almost boring in style, but the classic style also lends itself well to accessories and styling. Myiake is also using this treatment. It is the meticulous construction and hand finishing that make these clothes timeless.
- Oxford style shoes in traditional as well as very modern artistic styling are popular.
- Lots of animal furs. I suspect that Peta people are not standing on every corner with a spray can of red paint to douse the garment. Personally, the furs are beautiful but I just can't do it. I have seen many re-purpose a vintage fur for modern wear, that is OK, but with many synthetics so nicely done, that is where my money is.
- Contrast sleeves. For example, a wool jacket with sweater sleeves. A jersey sweater with leather sleeves.
- Hand dyed fabrics for scarves. The fabrics appear to be a coarse weave, the colors sort of muted (read dull to me) and frayed.
Paris Monuments Musée du Louvre
Photo of the Sully Wing from the Louvre museum in Paris.
I have only visited Paris once. I remember every detail, it was a life long dream. I would love to go back and visit the way Marcy does. Some day, maybe.
Paris Monuments Sacre-Coeur
Photo with a close view at the sacré-Coeur in Paris.
Gratuity Moment: that one glorious trip to Paris, with Husband. The trip was a gift, he has always been a good gifter!
s Monuments La Sorbonne
Photo of the back of " La Sorbonne " university in Paris picture taken from Rue Saint Jacques.
*a site to visit if you have Francophile leanings or plan a trip anytime soon.
http://eyepreferparis.com/
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