I've always refrained from weighing in the odd "Parisian chic" thread I've seen here, because I felt it was a North American concept and it was best to leave it discussed among yourselves.

I broke that policy and made a comment on Shevia's recent thread on Parisienne style - felt like a continuation of our private talk and I forgot my surroundings. I'm sorry about that and now I feel the need to clarify something.

What most of you call Parisienne style, I'd call bourgeois style - meaning the style of Paris upper class. I'm not from this rarefied circle - one more reason I should have shut up! - but my understanding of their style is that seeking attention with your clothes - by wearing something too eccentric, too sexy or too loud - is seen as vulgar.

Then Angie made the comment, half jokingly I suppose, that her bright clothes were vulgar, then.

Not what I meant.

Actually, a shot of bright colour is very Paris couture - think of Schiaparelli famous shocking pink for instance or fiery red lipstick, YSL loved bright colours too.

It's true most people wear neutrals, I think it's true of most European big cities? And it's probably more to do with the grey light, the dirty public transport and streets than the values of the upper class.