Parisian Secrets ~ Take Time to Take Time

PARISIAN STYLE SPEAKS FOR THEIR LIFESTYLE

“Nonchalent-chic”, “timeless elegance”, “subtle couture”, these are phrases that capture that Je ne sais quois of Parisian style and lifestyle. Looking au naturel and effortless, believe it or not, does take time, and the french women enjoy doing it avec plaisure. It is truly embedded in their lifestyle. You are probably envisioning the ‘French way of life’ as someone sitting in a cafe, beautifully dressed, hair and makeup flawless, nails kept majestically, sipping on a glass of Miraval Rosé, reading the newspaper, and casually noticing the walking crowd- appearing understated as one would. It’s true, it IS how they do it. It’s a well known fact that French style is also a way of life. These women and men enjoy taking the time and effort to put themselves together thus enjoying some ‘me-time’, which can result in a healthier, happier lifestyle because of the stress-reducing characteristics of simply ‘taking time’. We can do this too, the results show in our appearance and wardrobe.

Living in Paris taught me the art in ‘taking time’ for myself. Let me explain. Well, it’s actually self explanatory. In Paris, time seems slower, Parisians do things patiently. Rushing to do a million things can stress you out. Relax, Breathe, stop multi-tasking to the extreme. You can achieve these things by allowing yourself ample amount of time during the day by waking up early and going to bed early (Put down that cell phone and turn off the TV).

Accomplish your priorities, then take time out for yourself- whether it be self reflecting, relaxing with a good book, or enjoying company with friends. I felt my best self while I was there. It nourished me physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. So when I’m not in Paris, I still allow myself to do the following:

1) Get a solid night’s rest so you can wake up fresh. First thing I do- I catch up on the news (or favorite magazine) while having tea or fresh juice. I allow at least 10-15 minutes of ‘me time’ before I start checking my emails.

It took me YEARS to recognize the benefits of waking up early (the hardest part- I am so not a morning person), but I actually accomplish a lot more, and I allow an ample amount of time to get ready for work and meetings so I do not feel rushed. One trick is to go bed early while silencing all electronics. We all do it- checking our emails on our phone while lying in bed (either in the morning or before bedtime)-don’t even put a TV in the bedroom. Witness the mental benefits.

2) I work out in the mornings before work and meetings so I feel energized and fresh. Wednesdays and the weekends are my no-gym, rest-reflect days. When I want a change of scenery, I substitute gym days for dancing or tennis after work.

3) I dress easier by buying monochromatic (neutrals, black and white) separates for everyday-‘work’ wear, so I can mix and match things so that it doesn’t look like I’m wearing the same thing everyday. I love ivory/cream, so for example, I might mix and match a cashmere top with a cream skirt one day and then a black turtleneck with wide-leg cream pants the next day, then again my black turtleneck with the first cream skirt the next.

I’m not sure what it is about France – Actually I do; it’s the scenic architecture, the beautiful streets, the language, the romance, the cafe’s, the cuisine, the people, the fashion, the natural beauty, and more importantly- the Parisian lifestyle. My time there has and will always be valuable and I try to bring some of that home with me.