by Alix
I came to the US nine years ago, and I couldn’t imagine there was such a clash of cultures between our two countries. And we’re only a 10 hour flight away ! At first, it seems we are the same, with more or less the same religious and political trends, France always copies the United States… American women love the French style, that “je-ne-sais-quoi” they don’t have… however, our two countries are so different…
For instance, let’s talk about our complexes: we all agree to say that French style is among the best. Just say it, French girls rock and are super trendy! Someone disagrees ??? You can’t argue with me on this topic… $%#&!!!
Well, never mind! American girls are completely okay with…how can I say that…a “sloppy look”. And I like it actually! Here is an example: it’s not really unusual to see walking on the street a young woman highlight ongoing, talking on her phone! Sometimes, early in the morning, I also see people by my house wearing their pyjamas – I’m not even joking – going grocery shopping…
Let’s face it, and let me ask you: could this really happen in Paris? Of course not ! The French woman just can’t let herself go like that, it’s against her nature and the way she was raised! In any circumstances, she needs to look nice. It’s the rule for every poshy family ! Of course, I’m not talking about the typical girl from Brittany…who I’m not criticizing – by the way, my father has a pretty nice house in Saint-Malo… I’m just talking about the true French woman, who makes everybody crazy. The one American women wish to look like, are jealous of, love and hate at the same time… in one word: the PARISIAN! This natural sense of style, this amazing taste, this “je-ne-sais-quoi” which makes her so different from everybody else, always simple but “untouchable”… okay, I’m going crazy right now, but I love her so much! Come on, calm down Alix. By the way, where was I born??
Another thing that shows American girls are casual and confident (and I feel I’m becoming like that now): they go grocery shopping after working out! Nine years ago, when I got here, I would NEVER, EVER go food shopping after a run. Now I can say it, I don’t feel ashamed anymore, even after running outside when it’s 96° F – around 33°C actually – and humidity rate around 80%, even then, I go for my weekly grocery shopping sweaty and all red, and without any complex… true ! And it makes me laugh, because I think about all the Frenchies who go to the local Monop’ all dressed up… of course, you don’t know who you can bump into at Monop’…
I really love the fact that nobody would stare at you in the street just because you’re wearing sweat-pants full of holes and a shiny yellow top. The difference in France is that everybody would stare at you and they would even make fun of you if you were wearing a garish outfit!!! So long live the United States for its casual coolness…
Since I’m talking about our differences, here is another thing that calls me out. How we treat our hair… even if the young American girl can have a sloppy style sometimes, her hair would always be PERFECT! She can’t stand having neglected hair, no mercy for disorder, she’s spending so much time in the salon that her hairstylist has become her best friend! And, of course, she wants her hair to be as straight as possible so she spends 2h34 every morning pulling on it ! It’s completely different for French girls who are amazing in natural hair (almost like free style actually). Talking about that, for those who know me: I never dry my hair with a dryer (OMG, never) and I just ruffle it every morning to get ready! It’s the kind of casual but studied style that French women love! I could also talk about the American make-up vs. French make-up, but I’d rather let Colleen discuss this topic…
Well, I think I’ve covered everything, and to sum up, it’s obvious that France, country of Haute Couture, has a great (maybe the best) sense of style… I’ve already talked about this “thing” that French women have and that a lot of girls envy!!! But I recognize that American women don’t care about what people think and feel well with their body, their outfit and their cool attitude!
Differences and complementarities are the best…
Translation & Editing by Camille Boucard