Good afternoon, Monday. It's gloomyville outside and it's apparently going to rain the whole week until the weekend. Oh well...don't mind- at work anyway so a good chance to hunker down and get it done.
So for those of you who don't work in advertising, it behooves me to tell you about the huge event that happens every year in June, the Cannes Advertising Festival. It's a massive, global awards show that went a bit south for a minute (no pun intended, even though the fest is in the South of France) or two during the more austere years following 2008, but I can't help and feel it's back, and in a big way. All the muckety mucks from the ad game the world over go there for a week and drink tons of rose and meet each other and air kiss and congratulate each other on work well done. To me, it sounds like an absolute horreur but that's just me, and a story for another time- all I can say is I've never been much of a joiner.
And though I've never been, I've seen endless Facebook feeds and social media moments live from the big event, and I've often thought about what's important when it comes to big industry events like this- no, NO- not the work, sillies. THE CLOTHES. Darling, you gotta look good. You're with 7 gazillion of your colleagues in the chicest country ever and you're going to phone it in? No. No you're not.
For those of you biting off your gel mani right now because you're experiencing packing induced panic attacks between a zillion meetings and conference calls, fear not. I've got you.
Not only would I be happy to take any of you shopping (just call me) for this soiree, but I'm just sure as merde you've got some great pieces already in existence in your jam packed closet. So here's to a little inspiration, of the Jane Birkin variety- to me she epitomizes what dressing for the South of France (with very creative peers) should be- sexy, a mix of tomboy/femme pieces, and effortless. Jane's (non)French icon status gives hope to the rest of us- Jane is, after all, a Brit, who happened to be the muse and love of Serge Gainsbourg, and nobody's more French than that guy (I should know, I read his biography while in Paris).
So I've clipped some of my fav looks of hers to share with all of vous- sure there's some risky business happening (you may want to wear a bra or put a slip under some of these), but the idea is way, way there.
If you ask yourself- self- WWJD (Hint- the J bit does not stand for Jesus), you're going to be right as la pluie. Here's what you need to do the Jane:
Loosely constructed silk button down- Equipment makes a fabulous version of this. I'd stick to cream- very pretty around the face.
Crocheted something- a crocheted dress gives you that awesome rock and roll hippie vibe that is sexy, pretty, and perfect. If you go the bare route, try it with a bathing suit underneath, and if you're feeling like having all of your coworkers see all the good stuff is too much, then do a slip underneath.
Layered gold necklaces- I never ever pack without these. They just make me feel better. And they'll make you feel better too- if you do pack them, put them in a jewelry box wrapped around something like cardboard, cotton, or some other fiber that will ensure you don't spend your whole trip trying to unknot them. Trust me, I've been there.
Short shift dresses- if you have great legs, go to there. With gladiator sandals. Do it.
Wide leg jeans- the kind with exposed pockets in the front if you want to really pay homage, as you should. In denim and/or white.
Men's inspired trousers- With a pleat. Tricky tricky but so doable- if not that, go for a men's khaki. From the men's department. And paper bag the waist with a great brown belt. Chic.
Simple round neck tees- Can't muck this up- go with Petit Bateau- so cute and great in colors (non colors) like black, navy, or white.
Striped tank- A must. With jeans or pants or shorts.
A party dress with movement and/or sparkly bits- I live for that shimmy shimmy ya number she's rocking with Serge or that low riding sequin gorgeousness, but if that's too much just get something fun for evening that could take you anywhere. And wear it with flats to be super chic and French.
Straw hat- Le duh.
Peasanty top- Gauzy tops are great for over bathing suits, with shorts, with jeans. So easy to pack too. Parfait.
Flats, and lots of them- From gladiators to simple strappy sandals to ballets. Way easier to kick off after too much rose and way stuffed suitcase friendly.
And one last thing- don't forget a great straw bag like Jane always wore. Hers was very baskety, but everyone from Kate Spade to Free People does a great straw bag each Summer, so go for yours. And really if you need me to help you pack, I'm here for you as always. Oh, and if you think Adweek or Ad Age has a need to report on all the fun fashion and street style, tell them to hire me to do so- I promise to take your picture, if, and only if, you look fabulous (of course you will).
Here's to awards season, and all of the gorgeous and smart and wonderful women in the industry. This is my little pay it forward moment- we all must do what we can. And that's what's up this rainy Monday in the very unsCanneslike Manhattan. Yours, in awards season chic, topped off with loads of champagne and fabulous French style. XO.