‘F-Word’ of the Day: Fashion

Hermes still makes fabulous bags and scarves!

Fashion means different things to different people.  In the states, what’s fashionable often depends on where you live, or what you do for a living. (Jeans and a T-shirt along with a pair of sandals or running shoes will get you in the door most everywhere.)  But it’s a little bit different here on the French Riviera.

When I got here 6 years ago for example, jeans were for working in the yard, or cleaning out the attic.  Except for school kids, you didn’t see adults wearing jeans on the street, not even to go to the market.  (In fact, within six months of being here, I only wore my jeans to my pottery class, because it didn’t matter if I wiped my hands on them, or spattered paint on them – and within the first year, I ended up throwing them out anyway.)

Today jeans are becoming more common, and you’ll see people of all ages wearing them. (I still haven’t given in and gotten another pair, but it’s more due to the fact that I refuse to pay close to $100 euros for something I could have picked up at Walmart for $20!)

But fashion on the French Riviera is something else altogether.  For example, if you’re going to walk your dog, you’d never think of throwing on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt!  While strolling along the main streets in Nice, Cannes, Monaco or Saint Tropez, you’ll see women dressed to the nines – I’m talking about heels, hose, jewelry and makeup – to take Fido for walk.  And it’s not just here on the French Riviera, either!  Check out this fun post from Paris Breakfast to see what the fashionable dog’s owners wear, or where they go… (I love the lady in purple!)

And here’s another fashion tip – the only people who wear shorts (not capri shorts, but any other kind) to go anywhere except the beach – are tourists, teenagers and celebrities who don’t care what people think.  If you’re planning a vacation to the French Riviera, and you’re wondering what to pack, check out my article on Examiner.com “How to Dress for Your French Riviera Vacation” – I give you the do’s and don’ts.