Fashion c'est magnifique in Paris

I recently traveled to both Paris and England, and I couldn't wait to write about my fashionable experience.

This week it's all about Paris.

Myself, and 12-fellow fashion merchandising students, traveled across the Atlantic to the “City of Light” to get a store planning credit. We visited stores and really looked at the detail and fixtures required to make a successful and visually appealing store. We had quite the time and an amazing experience.

If you would have told me five years ago that I would be traveling to my two dream destinations on my college break, I would have caledl you a liar. It's something I thought I would do when I was 50-years-old.

Paris seen through real eyes is exactly, if not, better than any postcard or educational video you've seen. You instantly feel cool walking around in Paris, but for some reason you stick out as a Canadian or American, which some Parisians think is the same country. I presume that maybe Canadians try too hard with our fashion and style choices.

What is more obvious is that Europe is way ahead of us in the fashion department. Maybe it's because they are so laidback.

When shopping in Paris, walking into department stores with eight floors is no Sears or The Bay, like we have here. We are talking designer names like Channel and Burberry, casually set up. After being surrounded by the beautiful fashions, it becomes natural to see 1,200 Euro price tags on gorgeous objects, which is almost $2,000 or more Canadian dollars. Even their bargain stores seem to have products made out of quality materials.

And heck yes it is true, French women are not fat. I even think those women traveling in France don't get fat. Yes, the desserts are fabulous and so are the fancy coffees, but you walk everywhere. You have to walk to get your food and stand while you eat because sitting down will cost you more. Taking the Metro is the ideal transportation. Your legs and arms get a workout from the constant motion on it and at times you may have to run to catch it. Stairs aren't a painful word over there as it is here. One or two elevators are the norm in most buildings.

Paris is probably the most beautiful city I will ever see, even though I hear Italy can give it a run for its money. The history and architectural genius of the buildings give the right side of your brain a treat. It's a no-brainer as to why artists and designers have flocked to Pairs for centuries for inspiration.

Parisian women confidently wear heels on the cobblestone sidewalks and roads, and despite the difficulty, walk as if they are not worried at the high chance of breaking an ankle. I think there is a scientific method behind walking on cobblestones in heels. Back here, the plain-old cement starts to look too flat and slippery in comparison.

Paris lives up to its name as the city to shop in for designer brands, but of course you need the money to do so. No matter how much money you brought, you must not forget to buy a tacky yet must have souvenir. With vendors and ‘solo business men' on every corner ready and willing to take your Euros.

Fashion prediction: I noticed in a few shops in Paris; jeans and or pants with a tighter leg and a baggy crotch. The proper name for these pants is ‘Dhoti pants.'