5 THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL PARISIAN

Ahh, La belle Paris! The city of love, light, and inspiration. Paris is the birthplace of many great people starting from the marvellous painter Monet to the famous actress Eva Green. It has been a home town to many bohemians, revolutionaries, and fashionistas.

French people can proudly stand behind their ooze glamour, elegance and sophistication that is just so cool. That radiant energy is so strong that even behind the screen you can feel it taking over you.

A red beret, striped t-shirt, black jeans and a baguette under your arm, will more than likely instantly make you feel a little more French. But there is even a better thing you can do like organize a themed party or a masquerade. That would be the perfect opportunity to evoke your inner Parisian. Here’s a list of things that can help you get in character!

Style

We already mentioned the Parisian cliché look, but there is much more to it. French women like to keep it simple wardrobe-wise, but an original hair accessory and a timeless red rogue can only accentuate the romantic look they have. An essential part of the French style that people usually forget about is their attitude. Actually, I think the whole look revolves around their approach to life. French women are fierce but at the same time seem to be detached from the outside world. That is probably due to the fact that many of them practice mindfulness.

To be mindful means to be present at the moment. Being able to acknowledge and feel your emotions from within and sensations around you. All the while not thinking about the consequences of your emotions or worrying about the past or the future. This is a state of mind that takes practice and discipline. But I think that French women have already mastered the art of mindfulness. And by practising this technique you will not only be a little more Parisian but it will also benefit your overall lifestyle.

French cinematography

If you can’t go to Paris, bring Paris to you! There are many great French movie makers today that you will simply adore. But have you ever heard of the French New Wave? That was a film movement which emerged in the ‘50s and ‘60s. It was a form of European art film and featured some great names like Jean Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Jacques Rivette, etc.

These movies were unique at that time simply because they were everything that Hollywood wasn’t. Which means that some movie techniques which were strictly forbidden in Hollywood were praised in the French cinematography. Just to give you an example, in Hollywood at that time actors were always without an exception facing the camera. And what did the French do? They recorded their actors from behind. Maybe it doesn’t sound like much nowadays but then that was considered really rebellious. These movies will help you heighten and expand your knowledge of movies and of the everyday Parisian lifestyle of that age.

Wine and cheese

Wine and cheese are an essential part of the French lifestyle. This heaven-sent combination is something that the French know all so well. Choosing the right pair of wine and cheese can be a little overwhelming at first, but you can master it in no time.

The key to an excellent pair is in the age of both. So if you decide you want to eat young cheese such as Brie, Camembert or chèvre it best matched with some young wines like Riesling (dry to sweet), Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. As for semi-hard and medium aged cheese, they are best put together with some fruity reds or sparkling white wines. Blue cheese needs some bold and sweet wines so it can balance the cheese’s savoury flavour. Hard aged cheese is best put together with full-bodied whites or tannic reds.

Now that you know the secret to a successful combination, your party will sure embody the French spirit.

Chanel No.5

Marilyn Monroe once said that the only thing that she wears to bed is the perfume Chanel No.5. Since then Chanel No.5 has been an epitome of sensuality and sexiness. This fragrance was made by a famous fashion designer Coco Chanel who was also born in Paris. There is a movie starring Audrey Tatou, “Coco Before Chanel” where you can get a look into the designer’s life and maybe even draw a little inspiration. This scent will surely complete and compliment your look.

Education

The French were always rebellious starting with the French Bourgeois Revolution. They fought hard to get what they deserve and that was a democracy and to be free from the clenches of the monarchy. The French and Parisians have since then brought forth many great thinkers and philosophers.

Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and his wife Simone de Beauvoir for example where one of the more prominent figures in the 20th century. Simone was a firm believer of equal rights for women and was a pioneer of the feminist theory. As for Sartre, he was fighting for the freedom of thought and people ‘till the end of his time.

You don’t have to have a formal education nor a diploma to be able to think for yourself, especially in this day and age. But what enriches Parisians so much is their thirst for knowledge, a lust for life and the freedom of speech.