………do so as the Romans do (or in this case as Croatian women do)…at least make best effort!
Split, Croatia – May 19, 2013 – I love the way European women look! They all seem to have an inherent sense of style that is….well….extraordinary.
There’s something about each one that jumps out. The way a scarf is wrapped….lipstick applied…..sweater draped….the colour or the shape of the glasses…..the heels…the bracelets…the bag…the boots…..the hair twisted or loosely falling…the way its all pulled together into an beautiful and interesting picture….so highly individualistic…like no other. I like the air of confidence and self assuredness that carries it all.
In Europe style is not confined to the young. I vividly remember a woman in Paris years ago… she was in her late 60’s or early 70’s…exquisitely and simply put together in a black sweater and straight skirt…she wore heels…. her hair pulled back into a tight twist, her pale skin free of makeup except for the deep red lips…her eyes bright. A baguette was tucked under her arm. I imagined she was headed home to prepare lunch of pate, cheese, cornichons and bread. Her grace…femininity and style captivated me. I watched until she disappeared behind the door to a flat.
It’s certainly a different culture where I live in Vancouver, British Columbia (Conde Nast Traveler’s top city in Canada) a beautiful, natural outdoor wonderland that demands an active lifestyle. We walk, run, cycle, ski, snowboard, go to the gym, do pilates and yoga. We’re among the healthiest people in Canada but our style can best be described as non-descript/casual. As much as I love fashion and enthusiastically gobble up the latest edition of Vogue I’m 0ften still in exercise gear from my 8 am workout at the end of the day. I tell myself (because I work from home) at least its not pyjamas.
Admittedly it gets worse from a style standpoint…. I’m also known for slapping conditioner on my hair, slicking it back in a pony tail, pulling on jeans, a sweater and a pair of flip flops and running my errands. Ugh.
Oh Geez…could you imagine if I lived in Europe? I would be extradited back to my country of origin…..sent packing by the fashion police and culture squad.
I LOVE and appreciate a sense of style. I wonder how I can incorporate more of it here at home. European women make it look so easy and effortless. Maybe it is (for them) it’s as ingrained in their culture as pulling on a pair of tights and lacing up running shoes is in mine. But wait I have RED SHOES! They’ve got style and personality and just enough individuality to grab the attention of many who walk the same paths as I. I have so much fun wearing them…. they make me feel happy…upbeat…kinda cheeky. I remember the first time I wore them my friend Karen said, “You owned those shoes sister”…..I looked at her with my best incredulous look but I got it.
When a style is ours it comes complete with self assurance, an attitude, a twinkle (call it what you will) it makes for a standout in the human landscape. It says this is who I am. It draws people in…. it creates interest and conversation. It makes life more FUN!
Style is stepping from a comfort zone of the ‘norm’ where we fit in and blend in…..to a place where we stand alone as the creator of ourselves.
Ciao…off to create some fun!
Leave a Comment