Here's another version of the tie I saw frequently in Paris. This scarf was purchased on our first Paris trip in 2007 at one of those touristy shops on Rue Rivoli. It's still one of my favorites, and worn often during cooler months.
Une femme is working on a couple of posts, but in the meantime please enjoy some various and sundry pictures from Paris.
Many styles observed frequently in Paris aren't that different than what one sees here in Southern California, adjusted for climate bien sur. Jeans tucked into boots, longer sweaters, and slouchy bags are some examples of popular styles in both regions. Women here do wear more color, jewelry and maquillage, but several of the overall trends translate quite easily. While I admire the well edited simplicity often observed on les Parisiennes, I've found the unrelenting sobriety of more "strict" Parisian ensembles a bit too oppressive for me. By keeping my clothing simple and sophisticated and adding some color and fun and whimsical accessories, I've struck a balance that incorporates my favorite aspects of Parisian style and works with both my body and personality.
Above, I've taken what is a common autumn look spotted in Paris (long sweater, lean pants, boots, neutral colors) and added some favorite accessories. The earrings, watch, patent bag and scarf add some fun, sparkle and color, and lighten up the look a bit. In warmer months, I'd swap out some of the darker colors for lighter neutrals, and go for a brighter color accent.
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The only scarf I actually set out to buy was this Eric Bompard cashmere (listed on their website as "Fine Lace Stole;" look under "Accessories/Voile Scarves"). I'd picked up one in a vivid orange on our last Paris visit and loved it, and wanted another one in a more neutral and subdued color. I love these scarves! They are soft, lightweight and provide warmth without bulk. The color I chose this time is called "Oregano Green" but it's actually more of a soft, light teal or seafoam.
This Gerard Darel scarf was an impulse buy. I'd seen it at one of the department stores, but didn't pick it up when I was there. Later I was looking for it in one of the GD boutiques, but they'd sold out of the larger shawl size and this one is actually the child's size. But I think it works, non? 
Still loving these Arche boots picked up in Paris. I've had the opportunity to wear them a few times since our return. They are SO comfortable, and look great either with a skirt or pants worn inside or out. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a link to this particular style online, but will keep looking. If you have a store near you that carries Arche, do go try some on. 
Vraiment, I had not planned to buy any bags. In fact, I'm trying to reduce my inventory.
and then I saw the lining. 
I am an absolute sucker for cute lining. And this is one of the best ever.
This style of bag is called the "Premier Flirt" and it really did flirt with me, and won me over. It wasn't until later that I saw the color of the leather in natural light and realized just how rich and saturated this color is, and how high the quality of the leather. 
Our last day began with a walk from our apartment over to Jardin des Plantes, which turned out to be further than it looked on the map as we had to walk all the way to the far side to enter. But it was a very pretty botanical garden, though many specimens were past their summer peak and beginning to go dormant for fall/winter. (So far, Jardin du Luxembourg still holds title as my favorite public garden in Paris.) We strolled and explored the gardens for about an hour, but soon the rain began to come down fairly steadily, and we decided to move on to get lunch and pick up some wines to bring home. We stumbled onto a lovely little wine shop in the 6th and began asking questions in French only to find that the manager was from California! He gave us some tastes and recommendations and we left with two bottles of very interesting reds, and picked up a couple of champagnes at another shop.
When it comes to les pantalons, denim continues to dominate, whether blue, black, grey or tan. 
Sometimes it's just a single, shallow roll, rather than the Full Boyfriend. 
The woman wearing these pants was in her 60's and fabulous! Cropped silver hair, chic ensemble, and walking at such a fast clip with her friends that I had to follow her for several blocks to get a good shot of these pants. 
One sees pants like these above, or M.C. Hammer-esque harem pants only very occasionally. The wearers appeared to be of a more artistic bent, and it does not appear that this style has made it into the mainstream, yet. Or perhaps cooler weather has consigned them to the back of armoires for the moment.
Les hommes are just as versed in les foulards as les femmes. 
One sees every conceivable type of scarf worn, but the oblong or shawl versions wrapped several times around the neck (ends either loose or pulled up in a half-knot, which I'll show you later with one of mine) were what I observed most frequently. Much to my chagrin, I did notice that the only other women wearing Hermès carrés were quite a bit older and very conservatively dressed. When it comes to silk squares, one sees few if any fancy knots or ties; scarves are usually draped around the shoulders either over or under a coat or jacket, and loosely tied with a single knot, or worn loosely Ascot-style.
Fully caffeinated, une femme once again takes to the streets in search of Paris style.
As previously mentioned, the predominant shape for eyeglasses among all ages is rectangular. Sunglasses show more variety, with aviators seeming to pull ahead of the pack among the more fashion-conscious.
The fur vests spotted in shop windows everywhere last year are still seeing some daylight. 
Trenches were ubiquitous, as well as leather and solid coats. 
(Click on the one above to enlarge to see the pattern.)
The vast majority of bags seen were black, brown or grey, and of a slouchy shoulder statchel or tote style (think Gerard Darel "24" or similar), and several Vanessa Bruno totes with the sequin trim were spotted, as well as various cross-body bags. Bags sometimes provide a pop of color, most frequently red or purple.
I think the bag above is a Lancel. More about this brand to come...
Below is one of my very favorite street style shots, as it really captures how much diversity of style one sees in Paris. Click to see larger.
Next up, pants and scarves.
Une femme channeled her inner paparazzi a bit last week in an attempt to snap some surreptitious studies of les Parisiennes in their natural habitat.
I may have mentioned that boots were everywhere. From ankle to above-the-knee styles, les bottes seem to be de riguer right now. As I mentioned, the styles are a bit softer and more slouchy,
and often include some interesting detailing (bows, buckles, fringe, laces).
I really didn't spot many over-the-knee styles, and when I did, they were predominantly worn by younger women.
Another observed shoe trend is the low- to medium-heeled mary jane with a thick strap. Loafer/moccasin style shoes are also ubiquitous, and the occasional flat oxford/brogue style was spotted. Despite popular lore (and Fashion Week street style photos) one really doesn't see legions of women teetering around in stiletto heels.
as well as those with ruffles, belts or other details.
