Although I have heard several French friends scoff at the commercialism of Christmas, elbows are out and they are all now going ape shit crazy for half price skivvies! Dear readers, we are talking about LES SOLDES! Cheap clothes are not democratic in France like in the States. They are reserved for biannual bonanza sales. As a result, all the women I see on the Metro become collectively chicer.
Although I am proud of my carefully curated flea market wardrobe and the compliments I receive on my 1€ outfits, as a rendezvous-ready creative professional, I am attempting a less worn-in look. Not the button-down type, I could not resist a very bewitching pair of black animal print corduroy skinny jeans today. At a cool 20 euros, my biggest fear wasn’t dropping the cash. It is probably that I will wear them everyday. They give me that Brigitte-Bardot-sex-kitten-on-her-day-off je ne sais quoi. Come to think of it, je sais quoi. I have forgotten the allure of truly new clothes, not requiring sanitation before use. I could get used to looking like a million bucks. A million euros even, but that all depends on the exchange rate.
. . . . .
Heather,
It’s crazy what little old French ladies will do for a size 40 cashmere sweater!
Bon shopping! Et bonne journee.
That’s subjective, but thanks Cynthia!
Merci, mon chat.
This was so beautifully written–it made me smile
Congrats on your new corduroy skinny jeans. I’m certain that you were très chic before the new jeans!
Love this Jessie. As someone who relies thoroughly on la frip’ to get by, oooh how I miss the days of duking it out at les soldes at Le Bon Marché! Sadly, here in Arles 20€ is not going to get me very far–vive Paris!