I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.

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#SPARKYxPARIS
How to be a
Parisian
when you quite like the look of your face under a good, strong, elaborate layer of makeup…

I’ve googled it, I possibly even own an illustrated book or two about it*, and if my google search history is any indication I may even have a phD on it the same way my husband is an expert on all things Dungeons and Dragons. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A PARISIAN? The answer is not so apparent, apparently, even when you’re in the thick of it – slurping down a café allongé with a Coach leather coat caped over your shoulders in the middle of Rue Montorgueil, while the cute waiter periodically pops his head out the door and asks Avez-vous terminee? No, mon cher, it’s not terminal – although given that I am on Page 3 of the search results in pursuit of a self-applicable answer it may as well be. I am done with my coffee though; may I have a glass of rosé?

What does being a Parisian even mean? See, if you have a council tax bill under your name from the London Borough of Anywhere, and accepted the local Turkish joint to be at least one of of your weekly meals, then one can generously consider oneself a Londoner – regardless of duration of residence. There is no gait, no 5-piece wardrobe that would allow you to single out a Londoner from a throng. That odd (borderline creepy) obsession to a pub perhaps can be used for an inkling, but then we invite anyone north of Birmingham to this equation.

*this is what happens when you say yes to one too many goody-bags

This is the Airbnb you need to stay at in Paris

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top: suit PAUL & JOE pleated dress COACH SS16 boots SAM EDELMAN. bottom: coat and bag COACH SS16 trousers NEXT

You can however, pick out the Parisienne out of a crowd. The rule-book (illustrated in colour or not) says she is probably blonde, smoking, and most likely also not wearing a smidgen of makeup, but so far my attempts at following this has only led to being shunned from the high street and offered loose change. And that’s where it hits me: we are dealing with the number of f*cks here. Not the optimal heel height, rituals of lovers vs. boyfriends, nor the percentage of black/navy in the wardrobe. French women simply give less f*cks. Whereas English women, my goodness, KOREAN WOMEN are one (face-contour) beauty product too many f*cks to even contend (why do we care so much?). I’m stereotyping here, of course, but it’s an important lesson. Be Spiderman. Be you. Give less f*cks about what people think and layer that dress over the pant-suit. Do it with confidence, because that’s really what being a Parisian is about, n’est-ce pas?

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47 Comments

  1. Love it!

    ______________________
    PERSONAL STYLE BLOG
    http://evdaily.blogspot.com

  2. Another amazing post! Paris is such a beautiful city and I desperately want to go!

  3. Give less f*cks about what people think and layer that dress over the pant-suit. Do it with confidence, because that’s really what being a Parisian is about, n’est-ce pas?

  4. Nice <3

  5. People give to much f*cks it is so unhealthy.
    Love your look!

    http://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2016/03/first-synthetic-green-fiber-hair.html

  6. Are you a blogger? ahahahah
    photos everything about being a parisian

    http://www.tintedsparks.com

  7. I’m not sure if I can give less fix in order to wear pants under skirts but we’ll see if this grows on me!

    http://Www.whimsicalzoo.blogspot.com

  8. Haha funny and interesting post!
    Agnes x

    Blvck Bee

  9. To be honest, the title scared me a little. For a second I thought: “oh no, not another romantically written post about stripes, berets and baguettes” (not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just that I have read about it one too many times ^^) But that thought was quickly dispelled the second I recognized your first photo (from Instagram, of course) and I reminded myself that “this is Shini, you idiot, of course there is something awesome waiting for you!”

    I love the Korean culture – Korean fashion and beauty being the two industries that sparked my love for the country…and variety shows haha – and although I agree that Korean women do give too many fucks about appearances, I think that that’s their charm as is the French women’s charm not to give almost any fucks. More than appearing obsessed, Korean women appear knowledgeable on all things beauty and that gives them the aura of power. Love the photos, as always! ^^

  10. I love Paris, it’s like my hometown and I hope to go there soon <3
    xx
    Julie
    The Lady Fairer

  11. I totally believe that “being Parisian” has everything to do with confidence.

    http://www.dnamag.tumblr.com
    read: http://j.mp/DNAMAGISSUE2

  12. Love this, great message and lovely photos!

  13. Gorgeous editorial! Love it.

    http://www.itsallbee.com

  14. La Bijoux Bella | by mia

    Beautifully written. Simply french and simply fantastic as always! :)

    La Bijoux Bella | by mia

  15. yea, I’m not expert, but i think you nailed it.

  16. Absolutely love this post; it’s so true that what makes a true Parisian is their ability to care less; it’s that which makes them so effortlessly beautiful. You look incredible; I adore the pantsuit-dress combination!x

  17. fantastic pics!!! <3

    http://mancinasspot.blogspot.si/

  18. fantastic pics!!! <3

    http://mancinasspot.blogspot.si/

  19. great looks!

    xx
    http://www.cherry-mag.com

  20. Stunning second outfit!

    Don’t miss my report about FALLAS …an awesome Fest that you must live it! ;)
    .
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    ❤ Kisses from http://www.withorwithoutshoes.com
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  21. Love this, it actually made me laugh too. I’m a huge lover of all things Paris myself so tres bien!

    – Eternalleigh.blogspot.com

  22. Just discovered your blog and boy am I in love! <3

    http://www.ashrealasitgets.blogspot.com

  23. […] post How to be a Parisian appeared first on PARK & […]

  24. So true about giving less F*. I felt that in Paris and not gonna lie it’s something really sexy and powerful. x

    Real Life Nerd
    http://www.vivienekok.com

  25. Amazing photoshoot, i’ve alwyas want to visit Paris once <3

    xoxo, Lastestbag – Best Bags For Women 2016

  26. How to be Parisian and La Parisienne are a big part of my religion: I read them, at least, once- let’s say- every six months, trying to grab the very essence of the parisian woman. Needless to say, I’m very very very far from the Grand Boulevards, and instead I’m stuck in a small city in Tuscany, trying (with not-that-success) to be as parisian-cool as possible at 7.30 am when I’m jumpin’ on a train, direction University.
    Well… C’est la vie! ;)

    Vittoria from 5 IN THE MORNING
    http://vittoriafiveinthemorning.blogspot.it/

  27. I love this post!!

    http://www.hercouturelife.com

  28. always love your articles.

    http://carissainez.com

  29. I always want to visit Paris! But when in Paris, just do you hahaha. Love the photography by the way!

    xxx Emily
    http://www.monodays.me

  30. This piece is dope. Story telling ability so sumptious!

    The Grey Mustard
    x

  31. THAT COAT!!!! I don’t know man I think you are fitting in pretty well. You look amazing and effortless as always.

    xx
    scarlettandgiselle.blogspot.com

  32. Isn’t it funny, that everyone want to be a Parisian? :)

    Daniela

  33. For me being a parisian is a born gift not an achievement…Lots of love for Paris

  34. Dreaming of paris, hope you will post more on your paris daydreaming

  35. It is true. We should just care less about what other people think because in this way our originality will really come out. We should do it with confidence. This is the lesson. Thank you for your article, very interesting. By the way, I have never been to Paris but I am sure it is incroyable!

  36. Love the outfit on your first picture. Nice diary-

    xRomina | http://www.blaastyle.com

  37. I would agree with this 100%, I work with a few french girls that simply ooze Parisian style, although they all dress completely differently. And the reason is, yes, that they simply give way less f**ks than the englishwomen that surround them. They’re effortlessly cool and effortlessly gorgeous, just like Paris itself

    Charlotte xx
    Fox Socks

  38. How right you are! Forget about British women, Indian women give the most f*cks there are – we take the cake (insert half crying half laughing emoji right here..) But it’s a real skill to just let go – to just be you – and that’s what make you stand out

    Shloka
    thesilksneaker.com

  39. Emily

    Love your style, it looks so modern and exquisite!

    xoxo – Emily
    http://larimar.com

  40. Emily

    Love your style, it looks so modern and exquisite! :)

    xoxo – Emily
    http://larimar.com

  41. What a great post!

    http://www.moggypoggy.com

  42. I have a friend from Nevers, France. Ugh. Girl, is the epitome of French casual-chic. Super leggy, looks great in sneakers, was doing the messy bun look in 2007, makes funny mouth noises that are impossibly cute but if an American gal did they we’d garner major side eye. She also smokes occasionally and even that looks chic. #LeSigh

    -A boring American Girl

  43. omg, I discovered your blog in passing and I LOVE IT! I’m trying to get into fashion blogging myself and you’ve given me so much inspiration!! By the way, as a first-time traveller to Paris starting this june, do you have any tips/recommendations as to where to go or visit?

    Anyhow, love love love your blog :D

  44. omg, I discovered your blog in passing and I LOVE IT! I’m trying to get into fashion blogging myself and you’ve given me so much inspiration!! By the way, as a first-time traveller to Paris starting this June, do you have any tips/recommendations as to where to go or visit?

    Anyhow, love love love your blog, and love your bag :)

  45. True city of love…

  46. It’s all about confidence and knowing how to take your time and enjoy! x
    Fashion and Beauty Blog Yukova

  47. […] to be Parisian. Give less of a […]