Something that I found absolutely fascinating about Paris were the Parisian's... oh goodness they are simply lovely. Everyone was so polite. You greet people "Bonjour/Bonsoir" and you say "S'il vous plaît" and "Merci". It's been forever since I've seen true manners. So refreshing.
We were fortunate to have fabulous weather during our visit and had most of our meals at outdoor cafes. Interestingly, in Paris, you sit "next" to your meal companion, not across from them. Everyone seems so much more affectionate in Paris, you'll see people exchanging greetings and kisses and walking arms through each others arms, whether it's a couple, mother and daughter, or just friends. No fear of PDA in Paris.
The fun of sitting next to your companion is to be able to watch the people walk by... what a treat that was. When I think of French beauty lines, I immediately think of Christian Dior and Chanel. Their ads and counter displays are rich and sometimes overwhelming displays of color.
Yet, the true Parisian woman appears to have not a stitch of make up on, maybe a lip gloss or lipstick but not even mascara. I saw one woman with cat eyeliner and the rest, all sans makeup. I didn't see anyone who looked nipped, tucked or needled. Just aging gracefully and beautifully. Best skin ever!! But I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that they tend to be outside, physically active and they don't eat crap. In fact, they serve real Coke's in France, no high-fructose corn syrup in France. Real butter, real fats, real meats and oh those deserts and breads!!
I've never been a fan of a lot of wearing a lot of makeup. Funny fact... I once had a friend that tried to set me up with a guy and he said no because I didn't wear enough make up. I still laugh about that. That's just always been me, part of the California beach girl that will never leave my heart and soul.
The Parisian women wore a lot of denim, quite often with a leather bomber or motorcycle jacket, white shirts and flats, either expensive sneakers or ballet flats/loafers. Everyone had a scarf around their neck, in fact accessories seem to be a must. Whether it was a fancy hairclip or a few bangles on the wrist, accessories were very popular. Absolutely effortless style and yet... so well put together. I had read that Parisian women tend to now wear designer handbags but I have to say I saw lots of vintage LV bags being worn. Made me crave mine that I had left back home.
