LOOK AFTER YOUR EXTREMITIES

Even if the Parisienne can come across as a little nonchalant, she nevertheless respects the universal principles of femininity: well-cared-for hands and feet. What does this entail? Short, clean nails, sometimes worn with nail polish—but not always. Simplicity is key. In fact, the French manicure is something of an enigma: It is the exact opposite of French chic. The Parisienne does not understand the point of it and never wears it. It would be an overt admission that she’s spent time working on her sophistication.

Despite all these routines, the Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even (the gap in her smile or her slightly crooked tooth, her prominent eyebrows or strong nose): these are the signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect.

PUBLIC PRIVACY

A Parisienne always has a good reason to be sitting on a bench

When she has time to kill because she doesn’t want to show up early for a meeting that she has arrived for too soon.

When she has to rummage around in her bag to find her phone, then her car keys, then the remote for the parking lot, and then her house keys—and after all this, she’s so exhausted that she doesn’t even want to go home anymore.

When she is walking out for good and slams the door behind her to show she means business, and then realizes she has no idea where to go.

When she wants to kiss a man before deciding whether she should invite him up or let a lousy kiss be the last.

When she has sprinted a hundred yards for a bus but still missed it, and needs to catch her breath after this unexpected burst of physical activity.

When she has to make a phone call that no one at home should be privy to.

When she wants to read a book and to be seen reading a book.

When she wants to imagine what it will be like to be an old woman in Paris one day, talking to the pigeons for lack of better company.

Faux Pas

Every tribe has its rules, rituals, and customs that the rest of the world struggles to understand. The Parisienne is particularly strict about her set of codes. These faux pas, whether they be intellectual or sartorial, are to be avoided at all costs, lest you be considered a plouc (see Fifteen Words You Need).

Asking someone at a party what they do for a living. Even worse, asking them how much money they make. Having a wedding photo on display in your living room. Matching your purse to your outfit. Overdoing it on the teeth whitening. Overplucking your eyebrows. Being “friends” with your children. Flaunting your money or being a cheapskate. Using “I’ve had one too many” as an excuse for inappropriate behavior. Having lip augmentation. It makes you look like a duck. Trying too hard with your appearance. Wearing too much makeup. Fishing for compliments. Using corporate jargon, even if it’s a common phrase: “the DNA of the company,” “I can pencil you in …” Having more than two different colors in your hair. Taking yourself too seriously.

Safety Kit

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 804