Paris

Paris is on my mind. If I had to describe one of the major driving mantras in my style ideology, it would be "try to look like you're not trying." I think this is what makes Parisienne women so chic. They can be dressed up or down but it looks completely natural.

I'm calling myself out by mentioning this but I have a minor obsession with all of the Real Housewives. Last week on the Beverly Hills version, the ladies were in Paris. A couple of them looked so ridiculously L.A., so over the top, so... wearing things that look like they are trying to be stylish, that they stuck out like sore thumbs in the City of Sophistication. Note to self, when visiting Paris, keep it simple.

I don't have plans to visit again any time soon but, if I were suddenly to be whisked away for a whirlwind long weekend (hint, hint), here is what I'd pack.

Weekend in Paris by milkbreadfashion featuring current/elliott

Proenza Schouler striped sweater / Markus Lupfer / Isabel Marant / Current/Elliott / Isabel Marant printed pants / Rachel Zoe jersey skirt / Marc by Marc Jacobs leather pants / CO-OP Barneys New York platform booties / Isabel Marant low heels / Valextra bag / Chanel shoulder bag, $3,890 / Diane von Furstenberg color block handbag / Stackable ring / Alexis Bittar earrings / Alexis Bittar crystal stud earrings

Track Pants

A couple of years ago (4 seasons maybe?) I bought a pair of blush track pants by 3.1 Phillip Lim. The fabric is some kind of silky synthetic concoction so they are sturdier than silk but still have that look. The waistband is elastic. The legs taper at the ankle. They are, by all accounts, sweatpants made from fancier fabric. I have worn them too many times to keep track of but they have served me well for all different types of events. They've been paired with a sequin tank, tribal necklace, and fedora for a casual party, with a silk top and white tuxedo jacket for a cocktail party, and, just the other day, with an Isabel Marant vintage-inspired baseball tee and fitted denim jacket for day. It was in just this ensemble a couple of days ago that I realized how many people still have not taken the leap to trying out this silhouette. I had no fewer than 5 people stop me to tell me how much they liked them. I was amazed that people seemed to react as if they had never seen something like them because the style is everywhere in the stores. I myself have added 4 or 5 additional pairs in different colors and fabrics, the most recent being an amazing black leather version. So, if you haven't tried them yet, give it a shot. They're much more flattering- and comfortable- than you imagine.

Look at these ladies from LFW and see what I mean...
(Images from Vogue and Harpers Bazaar)