About

"The evolving Francophile..."

My husband Jack has always wanted to live in Paris and learn French. I thought it would be good for him to achieve his life time dream. Hence, we moved to Paris in 2008. My first year was difficult. I started "missives" to relieve some stress and chronicle my life so friends back in the US could read what I am experiencing. I currently write about food in Paris, which is my passion., travel experiences, and "experiences living in Paris."

It is definitely a challenge to live here, but each year it gets easier, and quite enjoyable, in large part because I value friendships over locale. I have a love/hate relationship with Paris as do most Parisians, mais La vie est belle (but life is good)!

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Le Coupe-Chou -- Restaurant review

For general information, reservations, menu & directions see website: https://en.lecoupechou.com/

 Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)


1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)



4.0 - stars ...................€.................................  2--đź”” 


We went to this restaurant in the 5eme for a birthday celebration of a dear friend of ours. His spouse treated us to this fabulous dinner. This building has a lot of history. 

While restoring the cellars at Le Coupe-Chou, the owners uncovered ruins from a 2nd-century Gallo-Roman settlement dating back to the time of Marcus Aurelius — including hot water pipes, a Roman bath, pottery, statuettes, and medieval street plaques. Some of those historic plaques, altered during the French Revolution, are now displayed behind the bar.





The inside had three different levels. Le Coupe-Chou is made up of four interconnected houses dating back to the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries, with small stairways and narrow passageways linking the rooms together. After two years of restoration, historical research, and treasure hunting through antique shops, the space was lovingly brought back to its old-world charm.

It honestly felt as though we were dining inside a medieval castle. If I’m being honest, the layout was a bit awkward at times, but it hardly mattered. The ambiance completely transported you back in time and made the experience all the more memorable.


NOTE: I'm only going to review the meals I had or tasted


Escargot. 

I figured since it was such an old-school French restaurant, I had to go with a classic starter — the escargot.

And let’s be honest, escargot is never really about the snails. It’s all about the sauce.

This one was exactly how it should be: rich, buttery, loaded with garlic and parsley, and absolutely delicious. I honestly could’ve eaten another order. Our poor spouses, however, probably had to endure garlic breath for the next few days.






Herb-crusted pork tenderloin, cauliflower purée, port reduced jus.

The pork was cooked perfectly — tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. At first glance, it looked like it was served over mashed potatoes, but it was actually a cauliflower purĂ©e. The flavor was nice, and I do like cauliflower, but the purĂ©e was a bit looser than I would’ve preferred. With less liquid, the texture could have been much smoother and more refined.









Crème brulée à la fève de tonka

Sticking with the classics, a friend and I shared the crème brĂ»lĂ©e. It was quite good, though I personally found it a touch too sweet. The caramelized sugar gave way with a satisfying crackle as we broke through to the custard beneath. The custard itself was light and delicious—again, slightly sweeter than I prefer—but overall, it was an enjoyable dessert.








I've started drinking more red wine, since that's what the doctor recommended after my heart surgery. So I'm not familiar with red wines at all. A friend recommended this and it was fantastic. Went well with all our meals. 

From wine source: The Jean-Max Roger Sancerre Rouge Cuvée from Bué, in the Cher region of France, is an elegant Pinot Noir that beautifully reflects the character of the Loire Valley. Light-bodied and refined, it offers bright aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, with subtle earthy notes and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is silky and fresh, with soft tannins, lively acidity, and a smooth, balanced finish. A charming and approachable red that pairs wonderfully with poultry, charcuterie, or soft cheeses.





SUMMARY 

Talk about history. Dining here truly felt like stepping back in time. More than a restaurant, it felt as though you were welcomed into someone’s home, filled with cozy old-world charm and character. The service was excellent. Our server, who was half Dutch and half French, was warm, attentive, and helped make our friend’s birthday celebration feel especially memorable.

As for the food, we stuck with the classics, and honestly, they were very good. It was clear this is a popular destination for tourists—the dining room was filled almost entirely with visitors—but there’s nothing wrong with that. Despite its popularity with tourists, the restaurant still delivered quality food and a genuinely charming experience. The only small note I would make is that I wished the purĂ©ed cauliflower had a bit more substance and texture, as it leaned slightly on the watery side for my taste.

Would we return? Absolutely. It’s the kind of place you bring out-of-town guests to experience a bit of old-world ambiance and history.


Costs

For one cocktail, two bottles of Sancerre, four entrĂ©es, six plats, and four desserts, our bill came to €429, or about €71.50 per person. Considering the two bottles of wine alone totaled €120, the food portion worked out to roughly €51.50 per person—not bad at all for good food, excellent service, and such a lovely ambiance.

Monday, May 4, 2026

Big Love -- Restaurant Review

 

For address, reservations, menu refer to their website: https://www.bigmammagroup.com/italian-restaurants/biglove

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)


1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

3.5 - stars ...................€................................. BOMB-đź”” 


I first heard about this restaurant online. It's the new hip happening place for the "in-crowd" to go for an inexpensive and good lunch. Et voila I made reservations for 6 people. It's located in the upper "Le Marais". 



As we approached the entrance, even though I had reservations, I was convinced it would be packed and we’d be stuck waiting for a table. So it was a very pleasant surprise when they had ours ready, tucked near the kitchen. It’s a long, narrow space and they really make the most of it, tables packed in tightly, with a very young, vibrant crowd.

Big Love is a vegetarian restaurant, but they also offer plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. If you’re lacto-ovo vegetarian, you’re covered too, eggs and cheese are definitely on the menu. In other words, exactly the kind of place my cardiologist would love me to embrace.

The owner, waitstaff, and chefs are all Italian, and they bring a fresh, creative vegetarian twist to classic dishes. And for brunch, a starter, dessert, mocktail, and a specialty coffee of your choice for just €27, which, for Paris, feels like an absolute steal. 

I'll only review the dishes that I tasted. I opted not to have the mocktail nor did I have a specialty coffee. NOTE: you can have the mocktails turned into real cocktails. 




EGGS AND TRUFFLES. 

It was technically still brunch time, around 1:30, and I chose this as my main dish. The scrambled eggs were tossed with pasta, the salad had a pleasantly tart bite, and the grilled sandwich was thick, filled with rich Italian cheese. You could taste the truffle, but it was more of a subtle hint than those bold, shaved slices you sometimes get.

I liked the dish, it was well balanced and satisfying. That said, aside from being vegetarian, or more precisely lacto-ovo, it didn’t feel particularly memorable. Good, enjoyable, but nothing especially out of the ordinary.




Now I was able to taste each dessert:

POWER BOWL — This is pretty much what I usually have for breakfast, so it immediately felt like a win. Creamy yogurt topped with fresh berries and that satisfying crunch from the granola, familiar, simple, and comforting.

FRUTTI ROSSI PANCAKES — Thick, fluffy, and almost unusually tall. At first glance, I expected them to be dense, but they were surprisingly light. Topped with berries, then generously drizzled with maple syrup, it’s a solid, indulgent dish.

TIRAMISU FRENCH TOAST — This one looked incredibly rich, but it didn’t eat that way at all. It had just the right level of sweetness and was unexpectedly light. A clever take on tiramisu, reimagined through French toast, and it works.

Overall, the desserts were enjoyable, though they leaned more toward what you’d expect from an American-style breakfast or dessert. The tiramisu version felt a bit more elevated, but still very much in that indulgent, brunch-friendly lane.

NOTE: We were given a shot of limoncello as a parting treat. 


SUMMARY 

This is their brunch menu, a lighter, healthier take on the usual offerings, with plenty of flexibility, vegan, vegetarian, including lacto-ovo, and even gluten-free options. You can also order from the main menu, and one of our friends tried the gnocchi and enjoyed it.

What I did find odd was that when our main dishes arrived, all of our drinks showed up at once, wine, mocktails, and even coffee. A bit unusual.

The place has a distinctly young, hip vibe, likely tied to the approachable price point. It’s also extremely loud, with tightly packed tables and constant traffic through narrow aisles. Service was uneven and notably slow. There also seems to be a growing trend among younger, more “in” restaurants in Paris to pipe in music, which wasn’t traditionally the case, and this spot leans into that as well; am I showing my age?

While the food was good overall, the atmosphere just isn’t for me. I tend to prefer somewhere quieter, especially as more of these trendy spots lean into louder music and high-energy settings.

Net-net, would I return? Probably not. Good food, just not my kind of vibe.

Our bill came to 186€, 31€ each. Normally it would've been €27 each, but we ordered an additional 2-glasses of wine, made a mocktail into a cocktail and had a diet coke. Regardless, this was an excellent deal for brunch/lunch. 



Friday, May 1, 2026

Rosemarie -- restaurant Review

 

For address, reservations, directions see website: https://www.rosemariebistrotparis.com/en/

Rating Standards: 5-Stars = Extraordinary; 4-Stars = Excellent; 3-Stars = Average; 2-Stars = Fair; 1-Star = Poor € = Inexpensive: 30€ and under; €€ = Moderate: 31€-49€; €€€ = Expensive: €50 -75; €€€€ = Very Expensive: more than €76 (prices based on minimum 2-courses)

1-Bell = Pleasantly quiet (less than 65 decibels); 2-Bells = Can talk easily (65-70); 3-Bells = Talking normally gets difficult (70-80); 4-Bells = Can talk only in raised voices (75-90); BOMB = Too noisy for normal conversation (90+)

4.5 - stars ...................€€................................. 2-đź”” 


I’m back. After six months in the U.S. from my winter hajj—where everything is bigger, including the portions—I’m ready to get back to what Paris does best: eating well, and portions are perfect.

This time, I took a recommendation from my friend Sarah, who always seems to know where to go before the rest of us catch on. The restaurant is in the 7ème, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower—so yes, you’re in postcard territory. Unbeknownst to me, due to jetlag, we were there a year ago. 

From the outside, it’s very low-key. Honestly, you could walk right past it if you weren’t seeing the colorful awning, and paying attention (which I almost did). Inside, same story—simple, no fuss. It seats about 44 people, but let’s just say you get very cozy with your neighbors, very typically Parisian, since space is a premium. This is not a tourist destination, as far as I could tell. I heard only french spoken, except us. 

I chatted with the owner, the restaurant is named after her grandmother, her husband is the chef, and she runs the dining room. A true family operation, which immediately makes you relax—you can tell it’s personal.


This is exactly the kind of place I love. No pretense, no overthinking, just really honest, home-style food. As you enter you see the main focus, the bar and hanging on a blackboard was the prix-fixe menu of the day. This is the kind of restaurant where you settle in, forget the time, and maybe leave already planning your next visit.

Three of us opted for the prix-fixe menu whereas JJ ordered just a "plat", on the menu. 


ENTRÉE

Crispy shrimp in citrus sauce. 

The crispy shrimp arrived as the kind of opener that quietly sets expectations high—and then smugly meets them. Generously sized, each shrimp was wrapped in a delicate, golden shell that shattered on cue, as if it had been waiting all evening for that exact moment.

The citrus sauce leaned on the tart, but stopped short of making you wince—more of a bright nudge than a slap. It played especially well with the fried wrapper, cutting through the richness just enough to keep things interesting. And then, just when you thought you had it figured out, little pops of mango appeared—sweet, subtle, and a great combination.

All in all, a strong start to the meal—thoughtful, balanced, and just clever enough to make you feel like you chose well.



PLAT PRINCIPAL

Lacquered pork ribs with pureed potatoes.

I love pork ribs, any style, any size, I’m in. But before this dish came out, I had to give our friend a quick heads-up: Parisian ribs are not the big, messy, fall-apart-in-your-hands situation we’re used to in the U.S. These tend to be a bit more… well-refined

And yes, when they arrived, they looked small.  Almost like ribs that went to finishing school.

But don’t let the size fool you, these little guys were packed with flavor. The meat was super tender, basically falling off the bone with zero effort. Honestly, I’m convinced they cook them this way so you can eat ribs with a knife and fork and the french wouldn't have to use their fingers, hence, no sticky fingers, no sauce on your face—very French, or for that matter europeans.

Flavor-wise, they were slightly sweet, a little rich, and surprisingly meaty for something that looked so modest at first glance. And the mashed potatoes? Smooth, velvety, and exactly what you want next to ribs, like they were made for each other.

All in all, a really enjoyable main. Small ribs, big payoff.


Cod, mousseline and tender Carrots, Shellfish Emulsion

JJ ordered this as his only course. This dish is a perfect example of how the French make simplicity feel a little bit luxurious without trying too hard.

The cod (dos de cabillaud) was beautifully cooked—tender, and just firm enough to hold its shape without falling apart the second your fork touched it. It had that clean, delicate flavor that lets you know the quality is doing most of the talking.

But what really stood out were the vegetables. The carrots were soft and naturally sweet, cooked to that ideal point where they still have structure but practically melt when you bite into them and a wonderful mousseline. The rest of the vegetables such as the charred cabbage, leeks and onions followed suit—each one perfectly done, no mushiness, no undercooking, just spot-on.

Then there’s the shellfish foam, which sounds fancy (and yes, it is), but it didn’t overpower anything. It added a light, slightly briny richness that tied everything together without stealing the show.

All together, it’s one of those dishes that feels refined but not fussy—just really well-executed cooking where every element knows its role and plays it well.


DESSERTS


Chocolate & Coffee Crémeux, Crème Anglaise

I don’t usually order dessert, but a new favorite spot deserves a little celebration.

The Chocolate & Coffee CrĂ©meux was light and airy, almost like a whipped ganache that somehow didn’t feel heavy (a small miracle). The crème anglaise kept things balanced—not sweet—while the tuile added a nice little crunch.

Simple, well done, and gone faster than I’d like to admit.


Chocolate tart with vanilla whipped cream. 

JJ ordered this one, and to be fair, he was very happy with his decision. I, on the other hand, found it leaning a bit too into sugar spike.

Think classic chocolate on chocolate: a rich ganache perched atop a chocolate crust, with very little intention of holding back. It’s indulgent, no question, but for my palate, it crossed into “maybe a few bites are enough” territory. Thankfully, a side of whipped cream came to the rescue, softening things just enough to keep it enjoyable.

My least favorite of the meal, but that says more about my sweet tolerance than the dessert itself. If you’re a chocolate lover who believes more is more, this one will absolutely be your moment.


SUMMARY 

This is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why you go out to eat in Paris in the first place. It’s a true, traditional French restaurant, unpretentious, a little tight on space, full of personality, and clearly run with care. Nothing feels manufactured or overly polished, and that’s precisely the charm. You’re not in some sterile, perfectly lit dining room that could be anywhere, you’re here, in Paris, surrounded by character, history, and honest cooking. It’s the kind of spot that feels real, and all the better for it. Would we return? ABSOLUTELY. 

We did not order any wines. With 3-prixe-fixed menus at 36€ each, 1-plat at 32€, 2-cokes at 12€ and 2 sparkling waters at 10€, and a non-alcoholic beer at 8
 our bill came to 170€, 42.50€ each, this was a great price and deal. 


NOTE:  I actually reviewed this restaurant about a year ago, but during my recent visit I thought it was my first time. The food and service felt so different that it seemed like an entirely new place—definite improvements have been made.



Thursday, April 9, 2026

TAXI SCAMS


 

As we get closer to heading back to Paris in a few days, I’m reminded of all those fake taxi drivers trying to pull me away from the official taxi line at the airport. 

As tourism season peaks—and with so many people planning trips to Paris—this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Here’s a great video on how to avoid these scams, plus helpful tips on getting into the city from CDG. Beyond taxis, consider safe and reliable alternatives like the RER B, Roissybus, or official airport shuttles—they’re often cheaper, efficient, and much harder to get scammed on.

Click on the video this video link. TAXI SCAMES

Friday, January 23, 2026

Differences between a café, brasserie, bouillon & bistro


 

I have to admit, even after living in Paris for 18 years, with the exception of bouillons and cafĂ©s I interchange them—though I know the classics! And of course, every place makes its own rules. For example, our corner cafĂ© is technically a cafĂ©, but in spring, summer, and fall, they take dinner reservations.


That said, one rule I always follow and highly recommend: if a place takes reservations—especially the popular ones—make one. It’s a lifesaver during the warmer months when everyone wants to be out and about.

Here’s a great video that explains the differences—and trust me, it’s worth a watch. (click on link below) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfFzB4-MGFI


Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Bonne année

 



HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL! BONNE ANNÉE À TOUS

JOYEUSES FĂŠTES


Let us celebrate the ties that bind us, near and far

• CĂ©lĂ©brons les liens prĂ©cieux qui nous unissent, ici et ailleurs

• Celebremos los lazos que nos unen, cerca y lejos

• Feiern wir die wertvollen Bande, die uns verbinden – nah und fern

• Ipagdiwang natin ang mga ugnayang nagbubuklod sa atin, malapit man o malayo


May 2026 open its doors to success, joy, and radiant health for you and those you hold dear

• Que l’annĂ©e 2026 vous ouvre grand ses portes, vous apportant succès, joie et une santĂ© rayonnante, Ă  vous et Ă  vos proches

• Que el 2026 abra sus puertas a los Ă©xitos, la alegrĂ­a y una salud radiante para ti y tus seres queridos

• Möge das Jahr 2026 Ihnen und Ihren Liebsten Erfolg, Freude und strahlende Gesundheit bringen

• Nawa’y buksan ng 2026 ang mga pintuan nito sa tagumpay, kagalakan, at maningning na kalusugan para sa iyo at sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay


Ă€ L’ANNÉE PROCHAINE (Until next Year) 


Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Mastering the Art of Subtle Chic. -- When in Paris...


 

"Style is forever. Fashion? She’s dramatic, needy, and always chasing attention"


As some of you know, I am a total clothes whore. But I believe:

Fashion is the language; style is your accent.
Fashion is the recipe; style is how you season it.

Oftentimes when we travel, we want to blend in — or maybe not. Some people want to scream “TOURIST!” with a beret, cargo shorts, and a neon fanny pack. Definitely not me. I prefer blending in so I’m not instantly marked as: “Hello, yes, please scam me.”




After living in Paris for 18 years, I can confirm: this city has changed. When we first moved here, wearing shorts was practically a criminal offense. Even in summer. If you wore shorts, especially those above the knees, Parisians would look at you like you were walking around in your underwear. Now it’s as common as wearing a scarf. Wearing running shoes—especially bright white ones—used to practically scream tourist. But now, well-designed walking/athletic shoes, even white ones, depending on the style are totally acceptable.

How to Dress to Not Stand Out in Paris (or at least not look like Emily in Paris)

In my opinion, Parisians dress with intentional simplicity. If you’ve watched “Emily in Paris,” let me reassure you: NO human in Paris walks around dressed like a box of macarons dusted in glitter.
Maybe during Fashion Week. Maybe at 3am in Pigalle. But in daily life? No.

In Paris, dressing wildly is considered trying too hard. And trying too hard is the fastest way to look, well… American.


Example of neutral colors



Neutral Tones Are Holy. Classic Parisian colors: black, white, gray. Add navy, beige, cream, or olive if you’re feeling adventurous. Parisians love quiet colors. Anything neon will get you stared at like you’re a lost club kid who took a wrong turn at Ibiza Airport. In France, wearing big logos (Louis Vuitton monogram explosion, I’m looking at you) screams, “I want you to THINK I’m rich!” Truly wealthy Parisians prefer things so subtle you need an anthropology degree to identify the brand. For example, Bottega Veneta? No logo. Birkin or Kelly? No logo. “If you know, you know. If you don’t know… you probably shouldn’t know.”


General Tips
Think: clean lines, quality basics, and “I woke up like this” vibes — even if you spent 45 minutes choosing socks and getting the right, “wake-up” hair.

1. Stick to a Neutral Palette
As I mentioned, black, navy, beige, cream, gray, olive are the classic colors.
If you see someone in sequins on the metro at noon… they are absolutely not Parisian. They’re either:
a) from out of town,
b) going through some trauma where they’re screaming, look at me, look at me, don't I look "fashionable?".
or c) auditioning for Eurovision or Rue Paul's drag race

2. Choose Well-Fitting Basics
* Dark trousers
* Shorts (yes, now they’re allowed — the revolution!). I suggest not wearing them for a formal dinner, it's considered disrespectful.
* DO NOT wear sweats. You’ll only see the Parisian YOUTH wear them, and they’re more structured like, “I’m lounging but still chic” sweats
* Jeans (no rips — that boat has sailed)
* Button-downs, chic tees
* Cashmere or fine-knit sweaters
* Blazer for spring/summer
* Wool coat for winter
Aim for smart-casual, not “I’m backpacking through Europe on $20 a day. 


Go-To Outfits

Men:
Nice jeans, crisp shirt, refined T-shirt or slim sweater, casual blazer.
Printed shirts are fine — just no neon flamingos.
Shoes: loafers or sleek sneakers.
Avoid wearing Loud Hawaiian printed shirts with themes or loud colors. It screams tacky.
Women:
Same formula, plus a silk scarf or chic bag.

Winter? Trench coat + scarf = Paris starter pack.


You can get away with white walking shoes with the right ensemble 


3. Shoes Matter More Than Rent
Parisians judge harshly by footwear. They could forgive you for butchering French, but not for wearing running shoes to dinner. It used to be a rule that women must suffer in heels — that era is OVER. Everyone wears sneakers now (tasteful ones).
YES:
✔ Leather sneakers
✔ Chelsea boots
✔ Neutral loafers
NO:
✘ Chunky athletic sneakers
✘ Flip-flops — unless you're on the Riviera living your best coastal-grandma fantasy, or they're stylish leather slippers that pass as sandals as in the photo below.







4. Outerwear Should Be Sleek
A good coat instantly makes you look French — like magic
* A cotton light trench coat or linen blazer for summer
* Wool coat in camel/black/navy
* Simple dark puffer
* Trench coat (the Parisian baptismal garment)
* Blazer layered over a thin puffer — very 2020s chic
Scarves are basically French emotional support animals. Everyone has one. Everyone wears one. Even their dogs have scarves.

5. Accessories: Small & Chic
* Small crossbody or sleek backpack
* Minimal jewelry
* Classic watch
Warning:
Don’t wear expensive jewelry on the metro.
Necklaces get snatched faster than baguettes at 6pm.
I once had a bracelet ripped off — very not chic.

6. Grooming & Attitude
Parisians look effortlessly polished. Emphasis on effortless… even though it absolutely takes effort.
* Subtle perfume
* Light makeup — no heavy red lipstick, acceptable for evening, Otherwise, unless you want to give “Moulin Rouge understudy” or “red district” lights vibe.
* No giant logos, you’re not impressing anyone.
* Walk calmly, move gracefully, judge silently
* Don’t smile excessively — they’ll think you’re unstable
* Speak softly — Americans are LOUD. Lower your volume by 20%
* Always say “bonjour” before speaking to anyone working anywhere
* Don’t carry enormous water bottles (you’re not climbing Everest)
* Don’t eat while walking (Paris is not a theme park)


It takes effort to get these hairstyles right




7.  Hairstyles.
Parisian hairstyles are all about that easy, effortless vibe. Women often look like they simply ran their fingers through their hair and—voilĂ —perfectly free-flowing chic. Men, on the other hand, give off that “I just rolled out of bed” (bed hair) look… but trust me, there is effort behind that artful bedhead.

Overall, it’s the signature Parisian magic: looking flawlessly undone with absolutely no effort—except, of course, there always is.



SUMMARY 


Personally I dress for myself. It makes me feel good. You use to never catch me wearing casual shoes, most casual I'd wear would be loafers. But I've developed my own style, by wearing color in accessorizing, e.g., eyewear.

Dressing like a Parisian isn’t about chasing fashion trends — it’s about embracing effortless elegance. Parisians focus on well-fitted basics, quality over quantity, and a neutral palette that always looks polished. Accessories are subtle, grooming is understated, and confidence is the finishing touch. How you dress says a lot about you, and in Paris, it’s understood that showing care in your appearance shows care for the moment you’re in. That’s why dressing well for a nice dinner isn’t just style — it’s a sign of respect for the chef, the craft, and the staff who make the experience special. When in doubt, simplify: choose timeless pieces, wear them with ease, and let your natural chic speak for itself.

Paris has two major sales periods each year—January and July. Many Parisians prefer to save up for a few high-quality pieces rather than buy in bulk. And honestly, with our famously small apartments, it’s partly a matter of style…and partly a matter of storage. And, there's so many ways to accessories a basic ensemble.



This video by "Alice in Paris" explains it well for women. Click on this link, "Alice in Paris"


"Inspire for Style" explains how to dress like a Parisian man. Click on this link, Parisian men's style


“Never dress to satisfy someone else’s gaze. Wear what reflects your spirit, not the dictates of a passing trend. True style begins the moment you refuse to be a servant to fashion and choose instead to honor your own identity.”