Parisian Chic: Fashion terms question & one style comment

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Parisian Chic: Fashion terms question & one style comment

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

What exactly is a "French work jacket"? Is it like a denim jacket?

The author also mentions "kurti shirts" and when I did a search, it seems these are the gauzy cotton tunics from India.

On her Effortless Style, Wear Two idea (pg. 20), I just can't imagine wearing two blazers, so, I'm not sure where Ines is going with this. Does she mean two different styles? Having said this, I actually did wear a denim jacket and then put my black leather cafe-racer style jacket on top, because the weather changed and I was really cold and hadn't brought a coat. It didn't look bad at all. Blazers, though?

12 years ago

Book Club

10 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Isis

Veteran

I think the "French Work Jacket" might be the blue jackets favored by the NY fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, which are worn by Parisian street sweepers.

Here's a pic:

http://moreintelligentlife.com/node/3477

I don't know if anyone else wears these except for Bill Cunningham; they are part of his signature. He apparently likes the pockets and the durability, and he is the definition of an edited wardrobe!

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

A pic of a "bleu de travail" - http://www.hickorees.com/brand.....-deadstock

Really rather like those Chairman Mao jackets. Or maybe it's the reverse. Strange to think blue was once the color of kings!

I imagine the blazers would have to be oversized, to get two on at the same time.

12 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

I suppose when you're 6'2" and 100 lbs or whatever the heck she is, you can wear two jackets without too much bulk. :-o.
For most of the rest of us, I think one at a time is sufficient.

12 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Excellent links, Isis and Rachylou, and now that I see it, Rachylou, that seems to be it. Yes, Parsley, I think I'll leave both ideas to someone else! Speaking of Bill Cunningham and our next book club date, I just picked up the DVD at my library and plan to watch it this week, so I'm ready for January.

Thanks, everyone!

12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Vicki, you're spot on about the kurtis. Sona was inspired by this suggestion too and posted a fantastic outfit last week:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nspiration

I remember the work jackets very well. My grandfather, who was a strawberry farmer, wore them every day (his were green, he wore the matching trousers too). Some workmen still wear them nowadays, in fact, my brother (an electrician), wears the blue version:-)
It would take some creativity to build and outfit with this kind of jacket and not make it look "too contrived", but it's not impossible methinks.

Wearing two blazers: maybe if the top one was roomy enough. I have seen blazer + fitted denim jacket and love that look. I myself have worn leather jackets over denim jackets too.

Can't wait to talk about Bill!-)

12 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Parsley, you make me laugh: "...one at a time is sufficient." Love it!

Inge, thanks for Sona's link. I missed it and just took a look at her top; it's really cute and I'm going to PM her. Hmmm, wonder what "pop of color" Ines would think is appropriate for a blonde?!

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like the work jacket. And now I understand why they call that particular blue "French" blue! I would try to dress this...I can see it. It would work better on somebody taller than me, but I find it appealing in a weird sort of way.

12 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Two Blazers At Once Alert!!!

I was wondering how this would look, and wondering if it was a typo. 2 scarves, yes. 2 belts, yes. But 2 jackets?

And then I saw this on a blog that Ingrid posted on the blog link. Scroll about half-way down. It looks cool!

http://tomboystyle.blogspot.com/

12 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Wow! Isis, you nailed it! What a great-looking blog of beautiful people and stunning photographs. Yes, I like it, too, and on the model, it works. Plus, it's a Tom Ford tuxedo, too! Only the best.

Suz, you could pull this French blue work jacket off, no doubt! There's something quirky-wonderful about it, that done in a particular way, would set a person apart from the crowd, but it has to be done right and I think you've got the verve to make it happen.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I *often* wear a jacket under a coat. When I take off my coat, I still look structured in a jacket. AND, I need the extra warmth.

12 years ago

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