it’s interesting to watch the olympics from a French perspective. They show things like ping pong and badminton and synchronized swimming

I’ve gotten a little fashion obsessed lately.

Clothes and the idea of fashion and the idea of working for a fashion magazine sounds increasingly appealing.

Maybe it’s because I’m here in the south of France and recently spent a couple days in Paris, the obvious fashion capital.  Maybe it’s because I’ve spent some time around my aunt, who dresses really well and has a cool, hipster vibe that yes, I mildly envy.

I’ve really loved just walking the streets here and seeing how people dress— and you can certainly tell the tourists (Birkenstock-clad, backpacks on, mom jeans, camera-as- necklace, bike shorts at the ready), from the natives.  The french have a way of dressing that is really inspiring.  I know it’s cliche, I really do, but frankly, it’s the truth.  Even if they aren’t dresses in the trendy way that people cosider to be cool and hipster and indie and vibey and all that, everyone has their own individual style that just works so well.  Like the 80 year old woman I saw walking down the street carrying a basket of apricots  she’d just bought and the farmer’s market dress in white linen pants and a shirt, gold jewelry, and espadrilles. Or the 7 year old boy next to me wearing a seersucker button shirt, khakis, and sperry’s. 

The French grow up aiming to master their style, fashion, and the way they dress because it’s part of their culture; it’s just part of who they are. It’s as natural to them as breathing and eating, being well dressed. That’s also why I’ve been able to realize that thinking about and caring about clothes in not an act of vanity or any of the sort— dressing is a part of who you are. It’s how you are perceived at a glance, and that first impression is exceedingly important because no matter what people say, it’s human nature to judge. But dressing well isn’t just about making an impact on people around you.  Dressing well is for you. It’s supposed to make you feel something, fashion is.  You do it for yourself so that you can feel good and happy about what you’re wearing, how you looks. Do it for yourself.

The French sure do.

Being here has made me realize that even more and makes me excited to work on my personal style and fashion sense.

That’s why I have come to appreciate and love fashion.  Its complexities inspire me and my style, and I’m able to appreciate all of it that is around me.

On that note, I’m off to watch The September Issue.