Berlin versus Paris

August 17, 2016

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Every city has its own style, but nowhere is this more apparent than in the unique styles of two of Europe’s largest capitals: Berlin and Paris. Berlin is a modern city, still rebuilding and redefining its identity after a tumultuous century, while the Paris is always Paris, an iconic place that is as in love with its history and beauty as the rest of the world is, perhaps even more. Both cities are home to large numbers of expatriates, but because of stringent visa requirements, most are eventually forced to leave Paris, while Berlin makes it (relatively) easy for newcomers to make the city their home; even in my brief stays in Berlin, I have felt like I could stay and easily settle into a daily routine that is not so different from my Canadian one, while in Paris I am always aware that I will have to leave sooner than I want to. If Berlin is a modern city, then Berlin fashion is modern, too, while Parisian styles, like Parisian architecture and art, are a tribute to the classics. And yet, despite all of the differences – including the obvious ones, like the language and the cuisine and the weather, I packed only one suitcase to visit both Paris and Berlin this March. Putting together looks that would suit the very different styles of the two cities was surprisingly easy – in the photos above, you can see how I styled six pieces from my suitcase for each of the capitals – and reminded me, once again, that no matter how many clothes you own, there are always new outfits hanging in your closet, just waiting to be discovered.

Chaque ville a son propre style, et nous pouvons voir ça clairement dans deux capitales européennes très différentes : Berlin et Paris. Berlin est une ville moderne, qui continue sa reconstructions et la rétablissement de son identité après un siècle turbulent, tandis que Paris, c’est toujours Paris, une ville emblématique de l’Europe qui aime son histoire et son beauté autant de le reste du monde l’aime. Toutes les deux villes hébergent de nombreux expatriés. Et cependant, grâce aux dispositions rigoureuses des demandes de titres de séjour, la bonne partie sont enfin obligé de quitter Paris. À Berlin, par contre, c’est (relativement) simple de s’installer et de faire son chez soi ; même pendant mes trois bref séjours en ville, j’ai compris que je pouvais y rester et m’y faire une vie qui ressemble plus ou moins à me vie canadienne. À Paris, je suis toujours consciente du fait que je vais devoir partir un jour, avant que j’en aie envie. Si Berlin est une ville moderne, la mode berlinoise est moderne aussi, alors que le mode parisienne, tout comme l’architecture parisienne et l’art parisienne, rend hommage aux styles classiques. Pourtant, malgré toutes les différences entre ces deux villes – y incluses les différences évidentes, comme le langage, la nourriture et la météo  – je n’ai fait qu’une valise pour nos séjours à Berlin et à Paris au mois de mars. Trouver des tenues qui s’accordaient bien aux ambiances des deux villes en utilisant les même fringues fut hyper facile – sur les photos en haut, je vous montre douze looks distincts, dont six qui datent de notre semaine à Berlin et six de notre séjour à Paris ; un fringue se répète sur chaque paire de photos  – et m’a rappelé, encore une fois, que peu importe combien de nouvelles vêtements vous avez dans votre placard, il s’y cache toujours des nouveaux looks à découvrir.

4 comments so far.

4 responses to “Berlin versus Paris”

  1. Love how a city, or town, can inspire outfits and become our muse for that moment! You’ve captured so many beautiful outfits here Cee, and even though I say it all the time, it must be said again, your style is impeccable!! Missing you so much and excited to get a date on the calendar soon!! xo

  2. Lyddiegal says:

    I love the contrast of your styling for each city, and I do admire your ability to make a single suitcase work for a long trip in two cities, in spring, when it’s cold. Packing coats and sweaters and boots always intimidates me!
    http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/

  3. Cee, your clothes look great EVERYWHERE! That’s so cool to see the outfits in two different countries. So many beautiful things in each one. This was awesome.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

  4. Lorena says:

    How interesting – I never stopped to think how a city’s vibe could influence in what we wear and it certainly does.
    Its also amazing how you maxed out what you packed, I had to go back and see the pictures several times before I realised that the looks incorporated one same item.

Cee Fardoe is a thirty-something Canadian blogger who splits her time between Winnipeg and Paris. She is a voracious reader, avid tea-drinker, insatiable wanderer and fashion lover who prefers to dress in black, white and gray.

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