She Makes It Look Easy

French women look great zipping around the city on scooters in wedge sandals and scarves. They know it.

Oui - French women are effortlessly stylish. Never too casual. Never sloppy. Rarely overdone. Always working the personal style. Right now they are wearing beautiful leather knee high boots or rose petal soft suede ankle boots with airy summer dresses. Elegant ballet flats with knee length slim skirts. Colorful chunky necklaces. Sandals in heavy metal colors of gold, silver, and bronze. No oversized anything.

Women over 40 are the most fabulous. They're rocking graphic tees with flat front slacks or slim boot cut jeans and Chanel-influenced jackets. Skirts are worn above the knee but never as high as mid-thigh. They're wearing floaty layers of mocha silk or pewter linen on the warmest days with bare legs and 4" wedges or flat-as-a-crepe sandals in primary colors. Sporting sharp edged designer eyeglasses in hot colors like raspberry red, crabgrass green or white.

And, as with the French men, no basketball sneakers for casual wear. No sweatsuits. No clothing that make them look like old draperies or armchairs. There are always a couple of eye catching pieces of jewelry and something that accentuates their femininity: a jacket pulled snug around the waist with a wide belt or a neckline that showcases sexy shoulders and collarbones.

French women do not leave the house without makeup. I'm not talking about layering it on Kabuki-style, just mascara and eyeliner, lipstick and a maybe hint of color on the cheekbones. No 80s-style eyeshadow sunsets on the eyelids, no harsh lipliner. Less is more. Hair is not overdone. You won't find crunchy overprocessed hair but will find lots of expensive color and cuts. I haven't seen a Hair Cuttery anywhere in Paris.

Leggings are worn as a first layer, not as slacks. Minis are worn two ways in summer - as a second or third layer over a tank top and capri length leggings, or as lightweight frock worn with barely there sandals.

Within a week I'll post pics of our guide for the Louvre and Versailles; she's the epitome of French style. I'll also post pics of an American that I met on the trip who left the States with a suitcase full of French style. She inspired me every day. In the meantime, pick up a copy of French Vogue and get inspired!

A bientot!

Men In Suits

Cary Grant. Humphrey Bogart. Tyrone Power. What made these men appear powerful, sexy and larger-than-life? Why do women still swoon when talking about these gods from the golden age of cinema? They wore suits. Cary, Bogie and Tyrone had many natural gifts, but would we still care about them if they had worn velvet track suits or baggy jeans as they crawled across Mount Rushmore or exchanged snappy repartee with a nervous young suspect? Doubtful.

Men in Paris are unabashedly sexy. They wear suits. Well-cut trousers, jackets that fit them - not their oversized uncles. Navy, charcoal, pin stripes. Crisp shirts in white or pastels. Impeccable leather shoes that bear no resemblance to the merchandise at Shoe Corner. No pleated trousers. Non to Jerry Garcia ties or ties that resemble a four year-old’s art project. Suits - not a pilly pullover and worn Dockers. Suits on scooters - suits on the Metro.

French businessmen look like they will win the chess game. They’re well-groomed with great haircuts. They aren’t wearing basketball sneakers and khakis as they plot their next move. They don't walk into a meeting wearing polo shirts under sports jackets with mangy backpacks hanging off their shoulders.

Remember the last time you saw the man in your life wearing a suit? Bet your temperature went up a bit. Remember when one of your co-workers came to the office in a business suit? Bet he looked more competent. When your company's IT guy came to work wearing a suit everyone assumed that he was looking for a new job. He looked serious and far more socially adept.

It may be time to dissolve the casual workplace. We've gotten sloppy in dress and in practice. A well-dressed businessman in the States shouldn't be as rare as the dodo bird. Besides, isn't it true that when we look good we feel good? If we feel good, we perform better. Two of my favorite TV lawyers, Perry Mason and Jack McCoy, always wear suits on the job. They would not be nearly as intimidating in Sixers jerseys.

What man doesn't want to be as cool as Bogie? He won because he was dressed like a winner.

Going Over - Part II

I traveled in high style through no effort of my own!

One of my gym buddies works for the airline that I used for this trip and upgraded my lowly economy seat to first class. Here’s what up about first class: yards of leg room; large, comfortable, infinitely adjustable seats; fluffy pillows; a real blanket that probably won’t give you a rash. Folks aren’t packed into the compartment like sardines--it’s a much more humane way to fly. Granted, I’ll be returning to the States in the cattle compartment, but oh! this is the way to go.

Was offered a glass of sparkling wine before the plane left the runway. A flight attendant rolled a cart down the aisles asking passengers if they would like today’s newspaper or a magazine. Flight attendants introduced themselves to me. How wonderful! How perfectly civilized! This is what it means to honor someone else’s humanity and treat them well. Pay attention, exceed their expectations, bring them joy.

The entrees for the evening meal included medallions of pork tenderloin, grilled steak, and shrimp. I ordered crab cakes and a second glass of sparkling wine to accompany the meal. The crab cakes were served with tropical fruit salsa, herbed lemon risotto, and sautéed asparagus. So different from my typical Friday meal of pizza, leftover pasta, or half a roasted chicken with three sides from the Fresh Grocer. Ordered caramel flan for dessert. Champagne flowed freely. Choice of liquors. Cheese and fruit tray as a dessert option.

Blissfully quiet. No banshee wails from tired, impatient infants. No restless toddlers kicking the back of my chair. Personal video screen on which I watched the “Cher & Elvis” edition of “Trading Spaces.” Had my choice of movies, television programs, or music specials to watch. Could even make my own CD!

Complimentary flight survival kit included a mini toothbrush, minty toothpaste, cozy socks, eye shades, lotion, lip balm and earplugs. Sweet. Passengers ate off of real plates, with real glass and silverware and spotless white cloth napkins. Staff was solicitous, kind, personable. I felt like a celeb.

There was a light breakfast available the next morning as we coasted into Europe: vanilla yogurt, honey nut granola, dried banana chips, almonds, raspberries and blackberries. Moist cranberry walnut bread. Pulpy orange juice. Bottled water, coffee or tea.

Traveling in style. Every need was anticipated. My humanity was respected; I was just a little sad to get off the plane.

Going Over - Part I

It is amazing how many people dress like they’re cleaning out the basement when they're traveling. I have seen more shower shoes, baggy, shapeless capris, pajama bottoms, unlaced work boots and faded polos than I would find at a frat house charity car wash. Folks don’t get it -- you don’t have to look like an orphan to be comfortable. I would never suggest wearing a form fitting jacket and pencil skirt with pantyhose on an overnight flight, but there are many attractive alternatives for travel.

A hoodie as your in-flight Linus blanket is fine, but please leave the funky, frayed, stained ones at home. After all, you’ll probably find a cuter one with a fresher design at your destination. And, please comb your hair. Do you want to look like you just crawled out from under a coverlet?

Consider cotton knit yoga pants and layered lightweight tees (with spandex to hold their shape). A forgiving, hip length wrap sweater goes everywhere and over everything. A lightweight merino wool can span three seasons and will impart the air of sophisticated tourista. The Gap sells supersoft cotton cardigans under their Gap Body line that are perfect for travel.

Don’t wear big white Reebox or New Balance unless you’re planning to conduct a step aerobics class at 30,000 feet. Tap into your inner ballerina and slip into a gorgeous pair of silver or bronze flats. Flat heel, rounded toe, easy to remove for airport security. Jeans are always great for travel, but consider pairing them with a low ankle boot or sharp spectator oxford. And please, please keep the "Juicy" off of your butt. I can guarantee you that nobody wants to see that.

I saw two travel-smart women at Philadelphia International Airport while I was waiting to board my flight. One was an older woman wearing wide-legged granite colored crinkled silk pants, a shrunken pearl gray jacket layered over a white T and ropes of clunky pearl and silver necklaces. Another was a 30-something woman wearing a loose vintage print mini dress with scary baby doll shoes that sported velvet ankle ties and 6” platform soles. Those shoes were not made for walking, but she was working the style! Just before boarding she changed into purple patent ballet flats.

Traveling to France in style - mais oui.

Summer Diversions

Hello lovers of style! As a diversion from my weekly spin on the realities of getting dressed, I'm bringing you a sweet little story from my buddy Christine Otis. Click onto "story" to read more. Enjoy!

Naomi Sims: 1948-2009

Naomi Sims -- simply the best. Mahogany carved Barbie doll with the high wattage smile who embodied Black glamour at the height of the Black Power movement. The alternate take of the All-American beauty. She looked like me -- and my friends Tanya, Camille, and Charlotte. She strode away from the myth of the light-skinned Black beauty as desirable. Reminded us that we come in a rainbow of hues, and that the wonder of the blackness can produce people of every imaginable skin tone.

Was super before the term "supermodel" reduced all long limbed beauties to sameness. Paved the way for other dark skinned beauties such as Iman, Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Roshumba. With Naomi sistas approached the intersection of the women's movement, the Black Power movement and the redefinition of beauty with less trepidation and an unlocked suitcase full of strength and style.

Thanks, Naomi, for being so fierce, so fabulous, so gorgeous. You left us too soon -- we'll miss you.

A Hair Raising Tale

Last week a friend said to me, “women should not be slaves to their hair.” I couldn’t agree more. She recently changed her style from a head of carefree bronze-colored twists to a neatly constructed updo. She looks great in both styles, but she prefers the low maintenance path.

I was admiring her new ‘do as we chatted with two of her friends. When we segued to the subject of hairstyle vs. workout, she agreed with her friends that on the first day of a fresh ‘do it’s okay to skip the workout. After all, a woman’s gotta have one day of eye-popping gorgeousness! I mentioned women I’ve known who avoid workouts – and forgo the life-changing benefits of improved health – because of “hair issues.” I’ve heard otherwise sensible women complain about lugging hair products and equipment to the gym or on vacation. I know women who will not exert themselves at all for fear of “sweating out their hair.” And others who never let their men see them without their hair done.

I’ve been a hair slave myself. Spent lots of money on perms, blow dryers, setting lotions, mousse, gels, and rollers of every size and color. Used a hot comb while playing James Brown’s “Hot Pants” in the background as I tried to avoid scorching my scalp. Dragged my sick and broken body to the salon for a touch-up when I should have been in bed under a doctor’s care. It was a lot of effort for perfection – perfectly straight, perfectly coiffed hair.

Eventually I got tired of bad hair days. In 1997 I went to a local barbershop to have it shorn. Made it too short for an Afro but still completely natural. Tossed out the products, appliances and accessories. And, guess what? I’ve never felt better or sexier. I don’t worry about rain, humidity, wind or sweat. Many say that it was a bold move and often end with the statement, “I wish I could wear my hair like that.” It does take a lot of nerve – it was three years for me from decision to action. But now I can workout like a warrior princess, run outdoors in a spring shower, spend the day at the beach, or make love until dawn without a care.

Is this a political statement? Maybe, but it’s personal politics. Freeing myself from an expensive, time consuming ritual. Finding a stronger sense of femininity than that proscribed by tradition and popular culture. Redefining beauty. Creating a new self.

So now I swing my earrings instead of my hair -- they don’t mind the rain, either. And much love to my wonderful barber, Charlie Jones, who keeps me looking sharp.

Cheap and Cheerful

A few summers ago I picked up an adorable black and white double knit polyester shift dress at Target. It was from the Isaac Mizrahi for Target line, a favorite. Sleeveless, fitted bodice, inverted front pleat, back zip. No ironing needed – always looks fresh. (Isaac has moved on to Liz Claiborne, and Target has not been the same for cheap and chic fans. Isaac always had the store’s most classic designs, and he created a distinctive style by fusing eye-popping color with timelessness.)

I’ve only worn the dress a few times because it needs a bit of tailoring. It still looked new when I pulled it out of the trunk this spring and hung it with my other summer dresses.

Earlier this year I bought a shamrock green double-breasted cotton cardigan from Old Navy. Three quarter length sleeves, slightly flared, hits at the high waist. I bought it anticipating my summer travels, long flights in cold airplanes, and chilly restaurants at home. Hung it in the cedar closet tucked away with my wool and cashmere.

One day during our moody rainy spring I needed a great work outfit that would lift me out of the doldrums. I dug out the Old Navy sweater and paired it with the Target shift, rocking the early 1960’s socialite look. I added a pair of killer black slingbacks, and raised the temperature of the outfit with Big Red (see May 27 post).

Got a bazillion compliments that day. Some loved the pop of the green, a color that I never before considered wearing. Others liked the dress, particularly the effortless style and always right black and white pattern. Here’s what’s cool – the dress was $30, and the sweater was $40. However, the outrageously sexy shoes (Faconnable from Nordstrom.com) cost more than twice the total of the dress and sweater. The moral of the story: a successful mix of the cheap and the costly often works best with classic styles. Think of simple pullover sweaters, shirtwaist dresses. Consider wearing a Gap t-shirt under a classic cashmere sweater. Spend more on the interview suit and layer it over a colorful, inexpensive Old Navy t-shirt. Splurge a little on items that you'll wear for many seasons (coats, suits) and less on basic building blocks (t-shirts, black tights, white shirts). Don't break the bank on jeans, but spend as much as you can comfortably afford on good footwear. You'll never regret it and you'll look sharp everytime!