Fashionistas

Thank you for posing for Coolhunt - High Style World Wide for Magazines and Businesses.Your photo turned out wonderful. Our editor is making the final decision now. Those he chooses will possibly be published next month in the Japanese Magazine, She (she.com) as well as Fashion Weekly. Regardless if your photo is chosen,  your picture is evidence of your great sense of style.

take care, 

Lyndol Descant

Little Jackets, Classic Look

Little jackets. Classic look. Paris streets are filled with beautiful women in tea length jackets. They sport well in September, with the transition from summer to fall, from vacation to work or school. The jackets are see in all kinds of material,  from linen to leather. No doubt to accommodate the fall fluctuations in temperature. Stopping just below the waist line, they accent well a woman's natural curves. 

The look is sophisticated, even when worn with jeans. Especially popular is a black or brown leather jacket, tight jeans, and high heals.  Throw on a pair of designer sun glasses and a swank necklace, and you ARE Paris, baby. 

The All Important Belt

The belt is back. Not since the mid 80's has this accessory enjoyed such importance. Elegant women in Paris are wearing the belt as the center point of their look.  Thick belts are being used to carve a shape into solid colored, billowing dresses and baggy jeans. Or in some cases, a thin belt looped twice around gives the same effect, hinting slightly to the greek toga.  

The look is very flattering for a lot of different body types, as well as sophisticated and comfortable.   For some, the belt is best worn tight around the waist, giving the illusion of Marilyn Monroe curves. Most common, though, is a loose belt hung low around the hips.

Summer Fashion Trends

Don't let the sun shine fool you. Scarfs are just as essential to Paris fashion in August as they are in January. Summer scarfs are not only trendy but necessary as the weather in Paris changes at least 5 times a day en ete. Seen in all colors and patterns, the scarfs tend to be light material such as linen or cotton. Most are rather large in size, doubling as a wrap-around should the wind pick up. Girls wear them with shorts, dresses, jeans - just about every look can benefit from the final touch of the summer scarf. La piece de la resistance!

Geometric Patterns in July

It's just simple geometry, but the effect is pure elegance. Schools out, but the mathematics seem to have just begun. This surreal character France is so famous for in it's architecture (Eiffel Tower, Pompidou, ect) is now showing itself on the streets of Paris with a summer trend. 

The patterns seen in dresses, skirts and even scarfs are diverse. They range from Modrian inspired, primary colored squares, to simple circles or triangles in subdued hues. Some geometrical elements are even mixed with other trends such as summer florals to make a unique design trend.     

But it's the simple complexity of the designs that create that typical french "je ne sais quoi." It's the combination of simple elements, or different patterns, primary colors and 

Fashion Reporter

Faux Animal Print

Animal rights activist can breath easy. Faux animal prints have become the latest trend in Paris.  Let me reiterate, it's not real animal skins. Rather it's imitation animal prints. 10 years ago, these loud and wild faux prints used to seem cheap, implying one couldn't buy the real thing. Well now they are the perfect accent to the most sophisticated Parisian dark fall outifts. Scarfs, shirts, skirts, even purses are made of these savage designs. Leopard, tiger, cheetah, a combination of all of the above. Even faux alligator skin. Anything goes. As long as no animal gave their life for the fashion, it's hip with Paris fashionista's right now. This classic look that hasn't been cool since Animal rights came on the scene has made a comeback this fall.  The 2008 version has all the historical status that animal pelts imply, whilst being environmentally conscious. The modern Paris woman is showing her status whilst remaining kind to animals. She's untamed whilst being socially responsible. Bravo!

Little Boots - November Trend

Boots cut short are the latest trend walking the streets of Paris. The one thing in common with all the many, many boots one finds in Paris today is the fact that they stop way short of the traditional boot. Many wear these boots with slim jeans tucked in like the traditional boot, but the boot height is shockingly short, ranging from mid calf down to the ankles even.   

The boots come in all colors and styles, mainly in Plain leather, but some even sport a moccasin look. Most are flat for a fashionable, yet practical look.  Trust me when I say they are everywhere, and the biggest fashion essential of this Paris fall season. 

Fall Trend - Fancy Hose

Looking more demure than usual even, Paris fashionistas are wearing lots and lots of patterned hose. From horizontal stripes, to fancy designs, the hose are the accessories to notice of late. Most often they are shear, and worn with a short skirt and boots. But they are seen with shorts as well. The outfit often highlight the fall by a plain presentation in comparison. Hose are the perfect accessory for the changing season, with it's chilly air and gusts of wind that offset the setting summer sun.  Colors come in all varieties, but are most often a muted fall color: black, brown or grey.  The look is ultra feminine and very chic.  

Fall Trend - Colored Jeans

The never old, always wearable, oh so comfortable blue jean has taken a new twist in Paris. Imagine taking the old fashion staple tried and true, and adding a bit of color. This is what the young and fun of Paris are wearing this fall. Turquoise blue, grey, brown, white and purple are just some of the variety of color I've seen.  It's a bit of a rebellion from the normal colors of fall, and remind one that vibrancy need not die with summer. Often the jeans are tight, form fitting, even down to the ankle. This is a trend that may not last well into the fall, but we'll see.  Depends on how much the Paris girl feels the need to spice things up.  

Hot Pink

Hot pink is the number one way Paris girls are spicing up their look.  Used as an accent to a variety of outfits, the color screams fun and passion, all in one.  

Scarfs, shoes, headbands, and even nails are showing off the wilder side of the Parisian fashionista. Tacky, you might wonder? Never. It's a flashback to the popular neon colors of the 80's but with all the elegance of a Parisian Lady.   Maybe some of us are just holding on to the hot tones of summer, but as the fall gets underway, the color is still turning heads.  

Short Safari Shorts

"We wear short shorts!" - Paris girls are sporting the summer look of super cute short shorts. African Safari inspired they shorts range from khaki to army green to blacks. They have deep, handy pockets and large cuffs.

As Paris summers jump from hot to chilly to humid in a day, the shorts are made weather ready with boots and leggings.  But simple flats and tee-shirts work great on warm days.

More than fashionable, the new trend is practical. A summer in Paris is much like being on Safari - no AC in 100 degree weather, roaming tourist crowds, and lots of bike riding to avoid smoldering metros and overheated cars. The concrete reflects the sun like the sands of a desert... and well the Paris girl has once again responded to the challenge of dressing in Paris with a look that spells serious fun. 

Short, Solid Colored Dresses

As the summer season settles in on the city of lights, the fashion on the streets has begun to reflect the fun and ease of a Paris July. Short simple dresses, in solid colors with suggestive cuts seem to be the most popular piece the girls are sporting. 

These dresses are easy to throw on and go.  The fabrics tend to be light and airy such as linen or thin Jersey in order to stay cool in the concrete reflected sun. But as the wind can whip through Paris quite bitterly even on the warm days,  leggings, scarfs, jackets and even turtle neck jerseys are layered with the dresses to make the Parisian girl comfortable even in the shade. 

Most girls like to wear little sandals or ballet slippers for a flirty look. For an 80's touch some girls are wearing a low hanging belt,  short boots or a short jacket. 

The hemlines of these dresses are always above the knee and the color is always solid; no prints or patterns. The colors tend to be subdued. White and blacks tend to the be most popular choice.  Other colors choices range in muted cool tons like grays, blues and greens.

The cut of the dresses vary from romantic to sexy. With the romantic dresses, there are often embroidered details of flowers or lace to add that special summer touch.

The uncomplicated dresses are perfect for the fun, stress-free, travel filled days of summer. 

June Fashion Trend - Floral Patters