The streets of Paris exude that je ne sais quoi…  Everywhere you look there is a perfectly-styled ensemble worthy of Scott Schuman’s lens!

It’s an effortless chic that only French women can pull off, in which a thrifted t-shirt layered over another tee and under an oversized blazer achieves the perfect mix of fashion-forward street chic dressing while still firmly grasping the ethos of a classic French woman. The thing I love most about Paris is that there seems to be an invisible line between unspoken but strictly understood rules of dressing that all French women keep secured in the back of their mind. This is countered with a playful exuberance to stand out and style something different when putting together an outfit. The result is unabashed fashion genius! Hm, no wonder it is the fashion capital of the world.

So, here are my humble (et hem, American) observations of la mode a Paris for fall 2010.

– Layering is essential, especially long layers. Have a look at Lily Cole’s ethical line, The North Circular, for all the key pieces for bundling up in style.

– Hats are loved just as much by the French as their compatriots across the channel. You can still sport that fedora going into fall. Get a high grade organically produced one from Livity.

– Black never goes out of style. A classic blazer goes a long way and gets you extra style points in Paris. Scoop one up from Beaumont Organic.

– A beautiful bag makes the woman. The Sway is an new eco-leather line that uses leather scraps to produce lush bags in classic color ways that will last a lifetime.

No matter where you are in the world, a little French infusion is always good for the soul and may even prompt a coup de foudre!

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Here we go again! Ladies, time to lay claim to another one of the boys’ signature pieces – the fedora. No longer meant just for celebrities traveling incognito, the straw fedora has become a summer staple fit for traveling, lounging on the beach, or running around the city doing errand on the weekend.

If you are in the market for a fedora check out a classic from Louise Green, or add a bit of color with the one from Livity. And, if you are forecasting that this trend is one that will stick around for fall and winter (as we are!), pick up a cool weather accomplice from Claudia Schulz.

Take a bad hair day and turn it into a style statement by twisting your hair into a low loose bun that hits the nape of your neck. Pull a few pieces free from around your face, and position your fedora with a sideways tilt for a super sexy cool look. One thing is for sure, the fedora amps the coolness factor of any outfit up a notch and is one trend you won’t want to take off any time soon.

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Warm weather begs for bright colors and statement prints. The tribal trend is going strong and offers exotic intrigue in any setting – this is the trend where print on print thrives! So, take a bold pattern print top like the zebra half topper from Mociun and pair it with an equally attention seeking bottom. Short minis, loud leggings or pleated skirts should do the trick, or opt for a cut-out detail dress from LA based designer Brigid Catiis.

And as you take your layers off for warmer temps keep the accessories piled on! An all organic fedora in teal and a multi-color accented oversized handbag are the perfect accomplices to complete the urban tribal look. Even subtle details like the print on the heeled sandal by Stella McCartney create interest and make any outfit a bit more playful. Don a urban ethnic piece and be prepared to join the tribe!

This is the second installment in new fashion writer Greta Eagan’s column, Trending, on seasonal fashion trends and how to green them up. Say hi to Greta!

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