Paris is first and foremost black and white to me. I love browsing its multitudinous bookstores and fiddling all the captured moments that postcard pictures carry. There’s something utterly elegant in noir et blanc. Maybe the juxtaposition, contrasts between shadow and light – just as life itself. Good moments are followed by gloomier sequences, and then the sun reappears. The fall has been very beautiful here in Paris this year. Lots of gentle sunshine and ambrosial colors all around.
High heels are so Parisian. And it’s no cliche, you do see a lot of them around. Sailing across town in those sexy accessories sometimes does the trick for me. On my tiptoes I do see the world a bit differently. Just a little welcome push of femininity. What’s tiptop – or top-toe – is that this fall you can find a multitude of styles and forms.
Paris has boosted my lady likeness. We can be strong yet remaining seductive and true to our gender. In Scandinavia women sometimes try to be too masculine, measuring up to their manly counterparts by enhanced toughness. In the U.S. everyone gets so busy in their daily doings that easy solutions are of tendency. High heels need more care, and more poise to carry. But that’s what a life of quality is often about – taking the time and making the effort. And then reaping the harvest.
![So[phis]tix](http://www.makinen.fr/susa/wordpress/wp-content/susu_img/sophistix.gif)
October 16, 2008 at 12:55 PM -
Hey Susu! Sorry I’m taking forever to get caught up reading the blogs. Francetélécom left me without internet for weeks after our move…
Re: the blogger comment thing, have you thought about simply creating a blogger ID? You don’t have to have a blog just to create a username, that way you can leave comments on any blogspot blog. I could remove the block against non-blogspot users, but then I get soooo many spam comments…
What do you think?
October 16, 2008 at 2:41 PM -
I love Paris in black and white as there is so much light and beauty in Paris that black and white are the perfect backdrop and it never seems dark and dreary.
I find high heels in Paris to be a bit tricky. All those cobblestones streets makes it a bit hard to manage in heels. But, I NEVER even tried high heels in Sweden or Norway–all that snow made it impossible.;-)
October 18, 2008 at 9:07 AM -
Joy – I’ll think about it. Thanks for popping in:) It’s always a great pleasure.
La Belette Rouge – Yep, the cobblesstones sure set up a challenge. You can wear high heels in Scandinavia – it’s not always snowy. Actually less and less these days.
October 18, 2008 at 1:18 PM -
I wish I could run around in dainty shoes, but I’m pretty tough on my feet. Whatever I wear is battered in no time.
You’re lucky to wear the daintier ones!
October 21, 2008 at 3:40 PM -
Kitty – Well, being comfortable and most of all being able to move and do whatever you wish, not be hindered by what you’re wearing, is very important too.
October 23, 2008 at 9:08 AM -
Hmm, what an interesting post! There are so many views on the French way of wearing high heels everywhere everytime. I wish I could do that.
For instance driving the car is way too dangerous with them on, I’ve noticed. And I don’t really think that it is a question of being manly not to wear high heels so much in Scandinavia. It’s mostly a question of reasonability. I think it is very stupid to be in wet snow up to your ankles with your pretty high heels on… =D
But yes, I also prefer the French lady likeness. Even young tired Moms make and effort and not to mention older ladies. You see so little “junttis” here. =D
October 23, 2008 at 4:23 PM -
strangely your writings remind me of indian women and culture. i’m not sure why. perhaps i am always intrigued by the care it seems they take in rich colourful clothing, pretty make up and hair. and the ultimate, the henna on their hands and feet. though i think since i am not indian these fashions may not be for me, but i do admire such attention to beauty and detail. and perhaps that is why your writings remind me of this, simply your attention to beauty and detail. it really is a flowering to our days…
so so sweet that you are having a beautiful fall full of warmth of colour alongside the black and white that life shares with us… truly a mix and a multitude of interesting richness…
enjoy dear One!
October 26, 2008 at 4:57 PM -
Pupuce – Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion. France does have this power to make you desire to be yet more stylish, doesn’t it?
Audrey – You have understood it so well. I really find that the quality I long for in my daily life is found in caring for small details. Even when I have lunch alone, I always set the table nicely and love organizing the food elements on my plate in a geographic manner. It feels better – inside out – that way!