Helene M. Fashion Blog

Wow. Its SPICY hot outside! We hope all of you are in well air conditioned spaces, or at least in a pool/at the beach! Come in, cool off, and get some sweet little pieces of clothing to ward off the summer heat doldrums… We have NEW arrivals!

Diane von Fursterberg, Trina Turk, Lilla P., Ella Moss, Weston Wear, and a few other new vendors have arrived! We love to see you, and you know how fast this good stuff flies out the door, so we hope to see you! XOXO

By Eva Marino

So, Helene visits Paris alot… (jealous? yes, me too). Whenever she comes back, I grill her on what the French women are wearing, as they are arguably some of the most stylish women in the world.  However, this time, a lightbulb went off… Of course, why am I not sharing this with our lovely customers? so without further ado, here is a Q & A with Helene, fresh from her trip!

Helene, you visit France on a pretty consistent basis… What have you noticed over the years that really stuck out to you in regards to French style?

I was really struck by a much more relaxed sensibility in regards to style this trip. I am use to seeing a more tailored look in years past.  Regardless, the French women always seem to embody a tres chic look no matter what!

What is your favorite Parisian style “moment’?

It never fails, every time I am visiting Paris I always seem to spot a model being shot in a fabulous haute couture gown on one of the bridges overlooking the seine.  I am mesmerized by the shoot and all the fan fare that goes along with it.  To me it captures the inexplicable magic of Paris.

On this particular trip, what did you notice as the most prevalent style garment? How was it styled, and who was wearing it?

I would have to say the skinny chino with pleating at the waistline.  The look was much more relaxed then I was use to and tops were worn  loose and somehat free flowing.  The skinny jean still reigns as well and on all age groups. Both bottoms were worn with heeled sandles, ballet flats or clogs (of all things.)

Was there an obvious difference between the Parisians and tourists, or was the line more blurred this visit?

Actually for the first time, the line seemed to be a bit blurred.  Besides being able to spot the amercian tourists right away by their sneakers and fanny packs, I’d have to say that I was a bit taken back by the lack of obvious distinction.  Although I have to say once out of the thick of the tourist centers my faith was restored by a few glimps of that old Paris chic that we Americans can’t touch with a 10 foot pole.

How were the french women wearing their hair?

I would have to say that the prevalent style was loose and relaxed.  I saw many messy buns albeit with that french chic “Je ne sai pas” look.  The hair certainly matched that relaxed look that I seemed to see everywhere

How about accessories? Shoes, handbags, etc?

Besides the quintessential tailored looking French women with the Chanel and/or Hermes handbag, the look was slouchy and big.  Shoes, as I mentioned earlier were mostly ballet flats, heeled sandles and fashion sneakers.

Tell us anything else that really struck you? Where is your favorite place to go to people watch there? As most of you know I am a big people watcher so I am in heaven when in Paris.  Years ago I lived in the 16th arondissment a very residential section of Paris not a lot of Americans.  I would sit for hours in the same cafe and just watch Paris before my eyes.  Anything Parisian makes me happy and somewhat nostalgic.  My mother is from Paris and growing up we took may trips together to visit her beloved city.  The memories are endless and Paris will always hold a special place in my heart.   Now if i could only afford a real Hermes bag!!!

So, following this interview, I decided to create a French look from what Helene described, and here it is! Also, check out this messy bun tutorial, it is so super chic and French! Happy weekend everyone! Hope to see you… XOXO

G1 chinos, Trina Turk jacket, Subtle Luxury scarf, Street Bag, Aj Morgan Sunglasses, Three dot tank...