Do you feel that?That crispness in the air? Yes, it’s beginning to feel like fall, my favorite season of the year. Pumpkins. Roasted Root Vegetables. Hot soups. Bonfires. Bottle of Bordeaux. And Fall in Paris? Magical. I’m leaving for the City of Lights in a few weeks to gather for the French Kiss the World Society celebration retreat. Champagne, s’il vous plaît!
One of the first things a woman asks me before embarking on a trip to Paris is: what should I pack?
Being that it’s fall and all, you can get by with a great pair of boots, jeans, a classic black dress dress, a basic white shirt, light sweater, warm (and chic) jacket and the most important French accessory: the scarf!
Oh, how I love scarves, and I am a scarf advocate for every woman. If you don’t have them in your wardrobe, I beg you to reconsider.
Here’s why: They are practical and warm. They can add a pop of color to a neutral wardrobe. For the most part, they are inexpensive. They add texture. They come in all sizes. They can be worn during all seasons. They are versatile (wrap one around your purse, use as a belt, tie around your head, wear as a bracelet, tie your ponytail). It looks and feels luxurious. And, they are tres chic!
On my first trip to France, I was mystified by how the French women managed to wrap those scarves so perfectly, while I struggled in front of the mirror trying to pull off the same look.
I’m a Southern girl. I didn’t grow up wearing scarves, and at first, I was intimidated by them. How does one begin contorting that fabric around your neck? It seems rather simple, right? But each time I tried, I looked like the poor American who was trying too hard. And, oh, how I hate that look!
As I’m constantly curious and not afraid to ask questions, I decided to go straight to the top, to the Grand Papa of French scarves, Hermès.
Within a 30 minute lesson by a bona fide Parisian, I was no longer felt a scarf virgin (and I became the proud owner of my first Hermès scarf, an investment that I’ll never regret).
So, in honor of the scarf, here is a collection of some of my favorite fall looks. (And, just imagine you wrapped in a beautifully textured scarf, sitting by a cozy fire, sipping on mulled wine. That’s a luxurious life!)
To Scarves & Bonfires,
Tonya
(P.S. Do you wear scarves?)
The Self-Image Manifesto
You’re Invited To Live An Extraordinary Life!
IF YOU LIKE IT, SHARE IT
I am French, of course I do. All.year.long 😀
Love my French femmes!
Thanks for stopping by Emmanuelle, and if you have any scarf tips, do share!
Scarves are my favorite accessory! I was fortunate enough to live in Amsterdam in the 90's and everyone wore scarves. I brought the tradition back home with me and I have to say--no one wears them better than the French. One of my fondest memories is when I went to Paris on a girl's shopping trip and a French sales woman wrapped me up in a scarf--I have never felt so chic in my life!
Pamela: Just imagining you all wrapped up in that scarf makes me giddy!
I've got to invest in an infinity scarf. I wear them frequently (usually for warmth), but sometimes just for that extra touch.
Glad to know I'm "on trend!"
Couldn't agree with you more! I love my scarves. I just bought a gray one with pink skulls (I'm a bit of a punk rock diva, and since I live/work in an urban metro area, I pull it off).
Scarves and skulls...what's not to love!
Love the scarves! I think a Frenchie Friday about fabulous french footwear would be fun!
Mary: noted and a topic I love!!!! Merci!
I have always loved scarves too, so does my brother. Our Mother was born and raised in Scotland and she was raised wearing them so she "handed it down" as I have also to my Beautiful son & Grandson! I've really loved wearing them more like belts than just scarves too. Hopefully this "classy chic" will never go out of style.
Carpe diem!
Vickie
I absolutely love scarves and have many that brighten an outfit and keep me warm on a bright cold day in uk. My current favourite is a really bright orange one with bobble tassels and people often comment how lovely it is!