hope you didn't forget about me! and my attempt at being a fashion blogger...

i can't believe it's been almost two weeks since i've written; remember at the beginning when i was so good about blogging and wrote everyday?  sorry!  the reason why i haven't written is because i've been very busy with schoolwork.  that's right... schoolwork.  i had two papers due wednesday, a book to finish, and i have another paper due next wednesday which i probably should be writing right now.  but enough about schoolwork.  since i haven't really done much sightseeing, except for a walk on rue st. honoré (the crème de la crème of paris shopping) with my childhood friend, carly lehman, i've decided to dedicate this blog to my observations about parisian fashion.

PARISIAN FASHION MUST-HAVES

1. longchamp bags: they are as ubiquitous as red wine.  I have to say that more women than not have them, and I've seen many men carrying their laptops in Longchamp cases (Dad, maybe this could be for you?)  Mine has been my everyday school bag, and the wear of three years of Hallie is showing. But, in my opinion, like red wine, Longchamps get better with age.  Except when the zipper won't work as you're getting on the Metro.  Not that that happened to me.  Don't worry, that CAN be fixed.
2. tote bags in general: whether it's a Goyard tote (LOVE) or the canvas bag you carry your groceries in, every woman carries two bags, her purse and her tote bag.  Being your average tote bag addict, I feel very at home with this Parisian style. 
3. Nice shoes for men: gentlemen (i have like three male readers, but oh well.  ladies, tell your friends!), leave your sneakers and timberland boots at home.  shiny dress shoes are for everyday wear here on the city on the seine, but loafers are good too.  anything athletic, ditch it!
4. SCARVES: whether you're four or fourty (or almost twenty-one, yay!), you must wear scarves.  this has nothing to do with body temperature maintenance.  scarves are a statement.  solids are your go-to scarves, but don't forget some patterns (flower for women and sometimes men, stripes for men-very popular, burberry for all people, and the huge knitted scarves also for all genders.
5. black is the new... EVERY COLOR.  self-explanatory.
6. oxford shoes: only hipsters in the US can pull them off, but in paris, everyone can dress like a hipster.  even someone who has half a dozen ribbon belts in her closet (though i haven't tried it yet).  
7. shorts+tights: wasn't sure about this combo before i left the US, but i've gathered that you must wear something under your shorts to be in fashion in paris.  also haven't tried this one.
8. MAN PURSES: all shapes, styles, prices, patterns....

hope you found this post informative, or at least amusing!  tomorrow i'm off to lille and then bourgogne for the weekend with my program, and then it's one week until spring break!  bisous!