Then And Now
For vintage chic I have been using the book that I have been reviewing...or is it downloading? And I am using Frenchwoman Ines de la Fressange who is believed to be the chicest person, ever. She epitomises modern French & Parisian chic.
In vintage chic, one did tend to be a bit matchy in one's clothes. Ines broke the mould many years ago by wearing a Chanel jacket from a suit, with a pair of jeans. In 1978 a Chanel suit was IT for wealthy chicness, and although Leslie recommended choosing a Chanel or Chanel-type suit, if you were going to own a suit, she never actually suggested that you did get one. These days madame chic might not even own a suit, or, if she does....it might be a trouser suit. In 1978, a suit would have been worn with stocking type tights. Does anyone even wear these or stockings anymore?
In 1978, status symbols like Louis Vuitton bags were highly prized, but Ines says that the average Parisian is not so much into status products such as this. Leslie, our vintage inspirer, and Ines, both recommend to spend money sparingly and carefully, mixing expensive and cheaper clothes. Ines has a thing for vintage gear but Leslie was not into it.
Some Chic Never Changes
Both Leslie and Ines live effortless style. Both prefer elegant, simply styled shoes, signature accessories, but not too many at once, belts, plain tote bags, a great jacket, less is more, stick with what works (for you), be timeless. Both suggest looking at boys and teens stores for clothes, both said to buy your tees from a really cheap place. I am thinking that Leslie was way ahead of her time, in regards to chic fashion.
Ines really has broken all rules to be the ultimate chic woman. Leslie taught how to be chic in a different time, but I do feel that all of Leslie's advice is still relevant to today. Ines often wears loafers similar to the older famous Gucci style, which Leslie loved. I found that really interesting. And Ines wears ballet flats, a lot. They weren't so prevalent in 1978! If you wanted ballet slippers, you had to buy the authentic ballet slippers that ballerinas used. Quite a difference.
Both love simple little jumpers, in neutral tones. Leslie often wore old shirts under her jumpers, as cuffs and collar. To this day, I really dislike tops which have this look in one garment, as I feel that it restricts our individuality. She also wore her jumpers under shirts. Ines likes her beautiful, plain, vee neck jumpers to be worn alone, about 2 sizes bigger than she would normally use, with the sleeves pushed up. It does look nice.
Leslie wore a lot of black, as does Ines, Ines wears a lot of navy too, and she will wear her navy with white and a splash of red. So chic. And both suggest a small wardrobe of signature separates, with a few classic pieces mixed with other clothes, worn with accessories, to produce what Leslie called "throwaway chic". Which is an effect. Carefully composed, yet appearing to be nonchalant. I love that Ines said to wear one's pearls with jeans, or a tank tee. So now, so chic.
1978 chic was, I feel, way ahead of it's time. But chic, these days, is less structured, freer, there are less rules. Leslie said to try out things that others were doing, and, if you liked it, then steal it, make it your own. I truly feel that we can still do that. Especially when we study Ines, with her effortless style, beauty and charisma.
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