Finally yielding to my inner desire to find myself, I caved and bought Caroline de Maigret’s How to be Parisian Wherever You Are, seemingly self-help book. Instead, it made me realize that I’ve been Parisian this whole time. The neurotic, self-deprecation layered with the need to always be right and the right to never have to explain why is quintessential Justine – and apparently quintessential Caroline, too.
Caroline is the granddaughter of a Prince and daughter of a Count. She’s a longtime model for a Kaiser (Karl), a music producer/doyenne of the arts and an inspiration for us all to never do our hair in the morning. Her style can only be described as “unkept” and yet she always manages to get herself snapped by street style pundits. Could it be her bohemian facade that draws the cameras to her? Could it be the surprise we feel when she reveals that she isn’t gap-toothed? Could it be Chanel? Whatever it is, de Maigret is a Frenchwoman to reckon with – if she doesn’t run you over with her scooter first.
How to get her look: Big coats that are one size too big; Vintage shoes and monster-size sneakers; Pants that are always too baggy (the more pleats the better); Hair – air dry only; and make sure you have a crisp, light blue shirt available at all times. A Chanel Boy Bag doesn’t hurt, either.
