Here in France it’s the beginning of The Sales Month, which is actually like two-months long, and it’s a tempting time with new sales articles appearing everyday.
For someone who works inside this world and knows some secrets from the inner workings of shops and also from seeing what les Parisiennes are buying during sales, I can tell you that from what I could see, in previous years, for the most part, customers—mostly tourists—are buying just from the sake of buying.
With a more conscious mind, Les Parisiennes are always searching for the timeless pieces: blazers, suits, leather jackets, trench coats, and shirts.
Social media influences our minds on what to buying, making us feel like we need things that maybe we don’t need. It’s hard to silence all the noise that’s happening outside and to focus on what we really need.
But on my everlasting search for beauty and simplicity, I came to realize it’s absolutely possible to lead a more minimal lifestyle.
And it’s possible in fashion as well. Here are some lessons from the masters of style: as fashionistas, stylists or Fashion Directors, they have the craziest dreams and visionary ideas, but their personal style is always so impeccable and simple.
Julie Pelipas
Ukrainian Fashion Director
Julie Pelipas, the Ukrainian fashion director speaks about her style with Net- à- Porter:
“My style is all about mixing classic and minimal pieces with one really directional item, kind of like finding the perfect frame for a work of art. You can even see this mix of masculinity and femininity in my styling. I would never wear a look I don’t feel comfortable in.”
As when asked about her wardrobe she states:
“I don’t actually shop that often; I try to follow Vivienne Westwood’s rule that you should buy less, choose well and make it last.”
And in closing:
“Styling is about capturing a state of mind and dressing in a way that makes you feel beautiful – it’s not about following trends or rules. Trust your instincts and try putting unexpected pieces together. It’s like being the star of your movie: each day you just decide what kind of movie you want it to be, and then create that mood.”
Editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris (since February 2011) Emmanuelle Alt speaks with Garance Doré on Atelier Doré:
“Le style it’s harmony, it’s self confidence. It’s very important to know your body and follow your age.”
When talking about her personal style she says to The Telegraph:
“I have always been quite boyish. I used to wear some skirts in the past but I was always looking for simplicity,” she says. “Now it’s only trousers or jeans. I don’t want to suffer in my clothes, I don’t think it’s sexy or attractive.”
Garance Doré speaks to Inside Fashion Design:
“Style is about so much more than the clothes we wear. It’s the way we walk, the way we smile, the sparkle inner eyes, the ways we live our lives. Style is a universal language, and it has the power to connect us.”
When talking about her personal style she says to Elle Australia:
“I got rid of a lot of clothes from my closet (I actually just got rid of all the clothes I never wear, which was a ton) and I only kept the best of the best,” she says. “Which means I can finally see what I actually have and mix the things I love whereas before I had to go through ten piles of crap before I got to anything useful.” Her aim? To have fewer clothes, but more wearability.
And in the same conversation, Doré also talked about her tips when she was overwhelmed by sales:
“I just ask myself if I would buy it even if it weren’t on sale,” she says. Also, she says helps to make a list before you shop – so you don’t continue to buy the same types of pieces that you don’t really need.
Leandra Medine writes for InStyle:
“Don’t forget that originality counts only when it comes from within, not from somewhere or someone else. And so regarding that Chanel quote: The good news is that we’re all irreplaceable.”
