Fashion Report: Paris

Echo Boa Scarf, $38.00, Nordstroms

Charles Nolan Linen Coat, $478.oo Saks 5th Ave

Kenneth Cole Reaction "Bard-er" Flat, $79.00

As some of you readers may know, yours truly has just returned from a fabulous 10 day vacay in France. I saw the the lights of Paris, the castles of Loire and the beaches of Normandy. I also saw that French girls could seriously school the rest of us on a little fashion 101.

It doesn't help that nearly all of the women in France look like models, but somehow, they know how to casually dress like models as well. Here are the rules for dressing and looking like a cute French girl, d'accord?

1) Make-up: Forget about it. In general, girls in Paris and the rest of France have little use for more than a little lip gloss or mascara.

2) Hair: Make it long, and make it messy...messy pony-tails are the hawtest right now. In general, hair coloring and highlights don't seem to be a big thing, and short haircuts are few. Right now, half-twist hair clips and bobby pins are big too.

3) Jewelry: Bold is better...dangly earrings and unique necklaces are really popular. Store's like "Claire's" are everywhere, so cheaper is better too.

4) Bags: Despite the big bag rage, French gals seem to keep theirs minimal and sleek. Try a unique and tiny pochette instead.

5) Clothes: City girls usually wear black with splashes of color on their scarves, shoes and bags. Flirty skirts, well cut jeans and jackets and fancy flats are all the rage.

If you find yourself in France, don't expect to find the same things that we have here...Esprit and Gap stores are a plenty, but your best bet is to visit a Galleries Lafayette or Printemps store for the best looks.