Sometimes I wonder why we get dressed in the morning.
Aside from decency’s sake, of course. Clothing is one of humankind’s basic needs – a bare necessity, so to speak – worn for modesty (at least for some of us), for warmth, and for self protection from the nakedness of vulnerability. Yet through the something thousand years of centuries past, clothing has become more than just a source of shelter for ourselves; instead, it has evolved into a distinctive reflection of ourselves, as individuals, and citizens of a community and its culture. Specific regions are now associated with a unique look, representing a nation, a city, a culture.
And among the list of the most prominent is the highly coveted, effortless, but inimitably coquettish look of the Parisian women. Surely we all fantasize dressing as such a woman, but the Parisian coquettes and likes of Clemence Poesy and Carine Roitfeld can limit ourselves from the braver of fashions. Take New York, for example. The perfect juxtaposition of the punk-neon-bright and without inhibitions and subtle sophistication and sexiness of Paris. Of course this is all in my personal opinion; conclusions I’ve made based upon visits to both cities and endless (yes, endless) hours spent on streetstyle blogs. My disclaimer is but the usual: I am no expert of fashion, merely a seventeen year old girl who muses and mulls over fashion. And loves it.
Excuse my digressive tendencies, and back onto the original topic of New York. The fashions in it exhibit a great mix of who women are; yes, there are excessive amounts of black-clad pedestrians (I myself, a non-New Yorker, am guilty as charged) rushing about the sidewalks. Yet another generalization I’ve made about city-wide dressing, but the dominance of black cannot be ignored. The color is iconic, symbolic of the seriousness of Wall Street, the practicality of the bustling commuters, of the timelessness of classicality in the city, and a hint of dark but demure sexiness. The excessive amounts of black also make it much easier to imitate; the basics include, but are not limited to: patent pumps, strappy heels, opaque tights, little black dresses, pencil skirts, blazers, double breasted wool coats…
At the same time it seems as if New Yorkers are less inhibited, even if black seems to be omnipresent, and their clothing seems to mirror the corporate nature of Wall Street with the prevalence of menswear-inspired fashions. Embracing trends – the punk-rock inspired women who still look so sophisticated, the grunge-chic, the everything that has potential to look crazy but made chic. Women aren’t afraid to experiment, to stray from the “norm” of societal dressing: a bit more liner than usual, brighter lips, a vintage piece, etc. So long as a bit of that black is incorporated into the ensemble to tone down any of its crazier elements: a black coat, blazer, opaque tights, pumps, the likes.
And what makes these New Yorkers subtlety yet entirely different from the Parisians and Londoners and all other major cities is that those who are tourists of NYC say women are much more “put together”. For better or for worse, really. Parisian women embrace the au naturel face and slightly disheveled hair approach with beauty products. Londoners have no fear in trying the latest and wildest of fashions and beauty looks. But those of New York City always look perfectly done: flawlessly coiffed hair, blown out or curled without a frizz, French manicured nails, with an entire ritual of morning makeup.
One last touch of lipstick, gloss, and mascara. A loose tank tucked into skinny jeans, with a satin-trimmed blazer (black, of course) and black patent pumps. I grab the black Balenciaga motorcycle bag I’ve filched perpetually for myself from dearest mother and run out the door.
I get some looks, both in admiration (or so I hope) and quizzical glances. Do I dress too pretentious for my age and for New Jerseyans? Perhaps. Perhaps if I were to someday live in New York City I’d fit in without a second glance.
Perhaps.
bisous,
La C.
P.S.: Thank you, Fem of Hearts Bows Kisses for passing to me the “One Lovely Blog” Award!
becca says
i want that hoodie!
its so coool! 🙂 xx
Charlotte says
I love those hoodies! They’re cute.
And you wrote a nice article!
Fashion CHALET says
I love how hoodies are usually worn on “bad hair days” yet hers is blown out to perfection. Wonderful juxtaposing. 😉
x
thebaglady says
Wow.
LC, dear, this is definitely one of THE best articles you’ve written thus far. I love that “voice” you have when you write. So intelligent, fun, a bit coquettish, but still modest.
I have a virtual girl crush on you?!
P.S.: Hope that orientation went well !
La Couturier says
thebaglady: Awww thank you so, so much! Reading your comments always make me smile (: And the orientation went pretty well – it was just so drab!
the fashion inquisitor: Thank you, darling!
thebaglady says
P.P.S.: Congratulations on the award! You deserve it!
The Fashion Inquisitor says
I absolutely love this post and your insights. I love your comparisons and how different styles from New York, Paris, and etc are so distinguishable. I am in love with your writing =]
Airam says
I agree with thebaglady, this is one of yourbest posts ever (and I pride myself in having read the majority of your blog, so I’m not just saying it to be nice or polite). Not only is the content and your opinions a great read, but it feels like it’s an actual person writing this; someone with a voice that is rather original and also rather adorable. Keep up the great work, darling!
La Couturier says
Airam: Thank you so much! It means the most to me when you say that because I do know you’ve read most of my posts (:
Zoe: Perhaps we’ll see each other in our black blazers (;
bisous!
zoe says
nice new set up here, it seems like it got changes around a bit.
i loved reading this entry.
i’m hoping to go to new york next year for a trip. i only went there when i was little and don’t really remember it. when i go i’m going to try to get as much out of new york as possible. even though you are a jersey girl, maybe i’ll see you by chance. look for the girl with a black blazer and i’ll look for you in your black blazer!
ha ha, as if we’d be the only two people wearing black blazers.
Brigadeiro says
What a brilliant article, La C! Not living anywhere close to LA, NYC, London or Paris, I am a faux (insert all the above), but that’s the fun in dressing up, you can dress on how/who you want to be, or the person you want to project, so WOO HOO to dressing ‘pretentious for your age and for New Jerseyans’ (I mean that in a nice way ;))
xx
CC
Mo says
Oh the effortlessly put together appearance of the New Yorker. you also find that with the model-off-duty style. It’s amazingly done, and NYCers do it practically naturally. keep dreaming, girlie. See you in the city, someday? lol
xoxo Mo
Keith says
Great post. I love that photo.
michtseng says
wonderful writing, my dear. congrats on the award and the guest post of course.
i wait for the day when you’re officially a new yorker too :]
Cafe Fashionista says
This is fabulous; I love it. And that picture is to-die-for. And the new layout? J’adore! 🙂
Margarita says
Honey, you have it down. I heart NY, and love Paris style as well. You write so well. Love it.
http://www.FabBrunette.com
Libby says
Ah, that is exactly how i feel (excepy I’m not even from new york)! Brilliant piece of writing, it flows so well!
XOXOXO
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com
La Couturier says
Libby: I’m just a Jersey girl (; And thank you so much! You’re the sweetest!
Margarita: Thank you, darling!
Cafe Fashionista: Merci beaucoup (: I wanted to change it up a bit!
phi-style says
i’ve been told i dress like i’m “from NY,” and i’ve always taken that to be a compliment. now if i can only dress like a Parisian! while those women may look “au naturale,” there is a certain classic sophistication that exudes from that disheveled hair and seemingly hapless layering. i can’t put my finger on it, but those women are SO good at it.
and thanks for the comment!
Shin says
This is sucha great post! I’ve always wanted to hear your opinions on how women in those cities dressed! I think after reading your thoughts, I think I’d fit in better with French women since I don’t like to wear makeup and like my hair to be a little messy. But to me, it seems like French women have this effortless way of dressing that they look good and chic whatever they put on. It must be their confidence and attitude. xxoxoxoxxo
Macaron Treat ♥♥ says
Fabulous post, really interesting.
I understand what you mean about dressing differently to your area. For me it is hard. I have grown up with a European family and that style has been bred into me, I still live a very European lifestlye compared to that here in Australia. Now I am 15 I dress completely different to this girls here my age. But back home In Europe I just fit in with a different edge of travel.
xx
miriam says
what a great look, and i love your piece!
la flore et la faune says
joli site et manière intéressante de glisser des mots français dans tes textes.
la flore et la faune says
just read the explanation about your name : very clever and creative. Tu as tout à fait raison sur le sens des mots “couturier” et “couturière”. Et “la couturier” sonne bien en Français. Un peu décalé, un peu sexy, mélange des genres, un peu comme un pantalon (chanel) sur une femme, ou un tailleur (ysl). bises de Paris.
Tina {Luphia loves...} says
she’s so cute!~!
The Anthology says
Thanks so much for writing this beautiful guest post for the Anthology!
Je l’aime!
Kelsey
Mary D says
Living in NJ myself, I can say, it isn’t too pretentious for some areas. Some areas are all about the P.~Mary
Iris says
Great post, you write very well, especially for your age! (I didn’t know you were only 17). I would love to go to New York some time, as I am living in one of the most unfashionable countries of the world.
La Couturier says
Iris: Thank you sooo much, darling! I actually revealed my age in this post, in which [nearly] everyone was surprised! You really should visit New York City one day; it is such a lovely place!
The Anthology: No problem! (: I had so much fun writing it! Thank you for giving me that opportunity!
la flore et la faune: Merci beaucoup! J’ai essayé d’être créatif dans le choix d’un nom pour mon “blog”; je suis tellement heureuse que vous comprenez! Merci, merci! (I am so sorry, my French is quite horrific!)
bisous!
iole says
stopping by to say hi! Love the post and lovely pic too!
xoxo
Iole
Kellie Collis says
Love the aviators with that hoodie!!
S.Elisabeth says
Lovely! I enjoyed reading this alot! Blah I know how you feel about dressing too sophisticated for New Jersey (actually I’m just an hour or two away in Pennsylvania!!), as I feel I dress too differently for my high school. Blahh to the hallways where jeans, graphic tees, and overly flat ironed hair rule =( At least some people get it.
La Couturier says
S. Elisabeth: Thank you, darling! That sounds exactly like my high school, lol! Of course I do succumb to that tee-jeans ensemble when I’m exhausted, but I do attempt to dress it up with a pair of boots or pumps! The ironed hair – ah yes, I know!
bisous, darling!
janettaylor says
I love that hoodie with Chanel sac…Haha!
XoXo
Katie from ZombieLace says
I really like this post! I never put my finger on what identifies new yorkers, but this sounds like it. It makes me want to live there so bad! If only it were a bit warmer…
Couture Carrie says
Beautifully written article, darling! Well done!
xoxox,
CC
rossovelvet says
Woo, great idea to have guest bloggers !! Especially when the articles are such fascinating and well written, congrats !
Rachel says
bonjour La Lovely!
it’s been ages and ages since i last popped by, but your articles are as beautiful and true as ever ♥
hope you are doing well! 😉
savvymode says
the girl looks so casual lovely, totally effortless. i think it’s important to get dress for one sake in the morning and find what looks good and not just following fashion blindly. visiting paris, women were are all elegant but almost effortless. NYC women, on the other hand, were more artifical for some reason.
rossovelvet says
Rereading this I realized it’s YOUR article… of course ! So sorry for the gaffe xD.
And I forgot to say before, I feel like the only city ‘ comparable ‘ to New-York is Rome. Everyone – not the tourists, ça va sans dire – is ‘ put together’ even if very modest… AND it’s still joyful and expressing.
So of course I have fun wandering in Paris in Berlin, but I am a Roman in the hearth and in the style, I guess… and I totally understand that N-Y feeling ! I already miss that by the way !
La Couturier says
rossovelvet: It’s quite alright! (: Yes, yes! I love the fashions in Rome; my friend had taken lots of photos of the streetstyle there once, and I am very much enamored with how beautiful the looks are.
Rachel: Ahh, Rachel! I’m doing quite well, thank you. How about you?! <3
hippiegirl says
i love that look♥
Ale. says
I enjoyed reading your post so much! You’re a really good writer, really articulate.
xx
dapper kid says
Such a wonderful post 🙂 Paris for me shall always about women who dress with an intimate knowledge of their own bodies. They know what looks good on them, and usually stick with it. London is a city which sees just about anything go, so it is easy for anyone to fit in. But, I love how New Yorkers seem to have an effortless, put together, and yet oddly functional, look. It really is something amazing.
La Couturier says
dapper kid: That is precisely why I find fashion so fascinating; I love how each major city has its own style. Each an every wonderful in its own way (:
Ale: Thank you, darling!
bisous!
Kristin says
Better to be overdressed than underdressed. Rock on with your stylish self!
Sasha says
you would fit in, without a doubt.
Isabel says
I really enjoyed reading this post. You are a natural writer and it’s clear you love fashion a lot. Your blog is really quite good!
La Couturier says
Isabel: Aww thank you so much darling! That means so much to me!
Sasha: Haha (:
bisous!
Candy-forest says
I like the outfit. Very cool, and very laidback!=)
kristine says
wow.
i really think this is one of your greatest posts EVER.
it’s beautiful, flowing, yet smart. saving this one in my favorites, mos’ def’!!
I LOVE LC!
[heheh]
abdcforever says
yahh i totally agree with everyone on
1. i luv that girl’s outfit – my style but chic-er?
2.i luv how u broke down the city style so we cud understand & copy it.
3. luv the way you write, girrl!
La Couturier says
abdcforever: I love Miroslava’s take on fashion; it’s a bit quirky, part trendy, but so, so chic! She made the hooded sweatshirt fashionable.
& thank you!
mayk says
balenciagas FTW ♥
didi says
Great article <3
I think my style has always been kinda NY but I wish I could figure out how to loosen up and achieve Parisienne style … I try but just look messy 😛 and not in a good way … as you say, le sigh …
Alize Morand says
Oh she is so cool!
The story? A-MA-ZING! You could be a writer, I really got into it and felt like I was in NY, having a manicure and the most perfect blow-dry! I love how NYorkers are so put-together, it takes a lot of effort and is not necessarily a bad thing, contrary to what most French women would think, because they believe it’s ‘too much’, when many are just too lazy to achieve such a look! Finding the right balance that works for you and doesn’t make you feel overdressed or overdone, while looking chic and in your favourite looks is the key, but not necessarily easy! Loving the description of various city styles though, soo true! 🙂 xx
PS: I’m in love with your new sidebar and sexy Abbey Lee header! Super-glam!
La Couturier says
Alize: I’m so flattered to hear that (: I try, haha. Abbey Lee is my current favorite model!
diane says
Here’s a personal fact:
It took me forever to realize that Cute Hubby doesn’t want me to primp right away in the morning. He likes to see me with my hair disheveled, make-up smudges, and stumbling around with my coffee cup. It makes him think he might have had something to do with that, and then he thinks I’m beautiful.
GoldenTouch says
I love this pic 🙂
slanelle says
your blog is really cool, classy and well written !
Rosa says
wow, you’re only 17? i would never have guessed that, you write so amazingly and sound really intellectual! you could definately have a successful career at a magazine. i’m following you now as every post i’m reading is fantastic 🙂
La Couturier says
Rosa: Thank you so much (: I should hope so one day (: You are much too sweet; I’m blushing!
fdiary says
As a native New Yorker gone a stray some years ago….NYers are always on-point! It’s in the air! When your in NYC you just get caught up and style takes over! Inspiration is in the street thats why I appreciate the sites that showcase streetwear vs the glossies.
Valentina says
I’m surprised that no one has noticed yet, but that’s Grace Coddington, the creative director of Vogue US in the background))))