Provencal Fashion

Today marked the first true shopping day in France. My family went to Aix-en-Provence, the sunny, charming town full of universities and fountains. The town is also full of incredibly great stores. I spent awhile in a shoe store, marveling at the popularity of Birkenstock sandals; I also spent a long time browsing in the open market, and scored a cute cotton top.

The best education I received in Aix was obtained during lunch at an outdoor cafe. After I stopped giving the stink eye to the woman at the next table who switched bread baskets with us when I went to the restroom, I set my sights on the passersby.

From teenage girls to 70+ old women, the look was chic. Scarves were not very prevalent, but above-the-knee length linen dresses in white, black, and khaki were everywhere. Ruffles on skirts and dresses were worn by the younger crowd, but women of all ages wore the shorter dresses. Almost every woman had a gladiator sandal though some wore wedge sandals. To me, they all looked very casual, comfortable, and fashionable.

My only regret of the day was getting in Aix too late for the open produce market. It is supposed to be extraordinary!

Well-Packed?

I know you've been on the edge of your seat, wondering if I packed well for my 5 week trip. Well, as of today, I have worn everything I packed! Bringing the pashmina and scarf have pulled together many an outfit, and the jeans I purchased in Paris got me through several cool and rainy days. The light raincoat I tossed in at the last minute saved me from getting wet. Am I tired of anything yet? No, but I would like to replace the simple silver hoop earrings I lost as I feel funny without them, and it would be nice to find a pretty sundress.

Rolling the clothing up to pack has allowed me to squeeze in the little gifts I've picked up along the way. My girls seem to have packed well also. And once my husband obtained his French pool-approved Speedo, he was set.

Food Over Fashion

Well, we are now in Provence, after spending a week in the Champagne region and in central France with relatives. During that special week, my clothing obsession took a back seat to my food obsession. We ate like royalty! I loved the savory meats (yes, me!), delicious cheeses, incredible breads, and wonderful fruit tarts that ended every meal. Of course the champagne made by my mom's cousin added a delightful element to the meals. Frankly, I did not shop much nor did I pay much attention to what people were wearing since I was so focused on the current or upcoming meals!

Speedo Time

We are now in the Champagne region, staying with family. Don got a lesson in French swimsuit fashion today when he was not allowed to use a local pool due to his "surfer shorts." We had to purchase him a "boxer speedo" from a vending machine. It was a memorable day!

Strangely Light

Last night I started to put away things in my room, making space for the family who will be living in our house while we live in their house in France. Of course I enjoy de-cluttering and organizing and happily got rid of some things.

What stands out about this space-making is how light it has made me feel. After I'd stored my jewelry, just keeping out a plastic Swatch, a silver chain with a simple pearl pendant, and my silver hoop earrings, I realized how easy it would be to accessorize. When I got dressed today, I put on these 3 items and was ready to go. There was no fussing over what would go best, what earrings would complement the necklace I wore, or what watch to wear. I felt relieved and surprised to wonder if choosing jewelry on a daily basis was truly something I liked to do.

Then I spoke with a friend today whose mother's house was recently burglarized. She lost all of her jewelry, including beloved pieces from her mother, mother-in-law, deceased husband, and grandmother. Her sadness made me re-think my recent feelings. Would I feel so liberated if my jewelry was taken away from me, or did having a choice in the matter make me feel free?

In any event, I think wearing the same clothing and jewelry for 5 weeks will be a good experience. Most of us can live with a lot less than what we have.

Yves Saint Laurent

It's important to remember how artistically gifted and incredibly creative clothing designers are. I forget this sometimes when outrageous outfits come strutting down the runways on models' emaciated bodies. But after seeing the extraordinary Yves Saint Laurent exhibit today at Paris' Petit Palais, I have a renewed respect for designers.

Room after room contained simple white mannequins wearing Saint Laurent's exquisite creations, from ball gowns, to simple day dresses, to his famous le smoking, to safari jackets, and on and on. I found myself talking to myself a lot, in wonderment over the beautiful tailoring and workmanship of the clothing. The pants, dresses, skirts, jackets, and hats were true works of art. It was fascinating to see YSL's inspirations; works by Mondrian and Picasso could be seen interpreted by the designer in jackets and skirts; and he looked at the colors and history of art and clothing in Africa, Spain, Russia, and China to influence some of his most striking pieces.

The second to last room featured 4 rows of black clothing he designed perched on the wall on black mannequins. Breathtaking!

Summer?

Here we are in beautiful Santa Barbara. It's June. . . it's cold and foggy! But I want to wear my new printed skirts, and my maxi dresses, and my cute tank tops! What is a woman to do?

Today I wore what I call my June SB uniform: white jeans, a pretty, colored t-shirt, and a merino wool sweater. I feel good because I am wearing light colors, yet I am warm in my sweater. And when the sun peeks out at 4 pm, I can shed the sweater and revel in the sunlight.

On other days I wear my white or regular denim jeans rolled up with a summer tank and my merino sweater. Sometimes I switch it up, wearing my army green pants. I can't wait for sunny days!