Hip tips from Ines de la Fressange

First, the no no’s:

 • “Too sexy is not sexy. ‘No’ to leopard-skin dresses with plunging necklines.”

• “Matching tights, shoes and bags? No, you can’t.”

• “Matching shoes and bags immediately age you by 10 years.”

• “Counterfeit is counter-fashion! Better a genuine straw bag than a fake luxury label!”

Ines de la Fressange is a French style icon that any lifestyle writer would love to interview.

This model was a chic Chanel muse... until fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld did not find it chic that Ines agreed to lend her likeness to the bust of Marianne, the ubiquitous symbol of the French Republic. Lagerfeld found this “the embodiment of everything that is boring, bourgeois and provincial.” He famously said: “I would not dress up historic monuments.”

Well, the next best thing to having an interview with Ines is reading a book written by her, Parisian Chic, which I quickly grabbed at National Book Store. Written in collaboration with Elle fashion journalist Sophie Gachet, this book offers tips on how to dress like a hip Parisian. And also how to decorate your home. Plus shopping and beauty tips, and what to do, what to see and where to stay in Paris.

The perfect jeans: De la Fressange says fashionistas are currently wavering from skinnies to “boyfriend.” But straight-leg jeans are without a doubt the most timeless cut of all, she adds.

Here are some major tips from Ines:

• “Coordinated outfits are out. Buying a matching blouse and skirt from the same store is a crime. A clever mix of chic and cheap hits the jackpot. Know how to mix styles and labels.”

• “Never try hard to look rich. Say bye-bye to bling. For the Left Bank Parisian, glitter and logos are not her thing. She is not interested in spending for its own sake and flaunting labels.” Her definition of luxury? “A brand that guarantees good taste, rather than an all-too-obvious price tag.”

• Discover new labels, especially if they are creative and affordably priced. “A chic Parisian will rave about great finds in a humble supermart, but never fights to be first with the latest high-priced ‘It’ bag, especially not if it’s ‘waiting list only’ (so vulgar...).” Her wardrobe is a mix of Gap, H&M and Hermes.”

• The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear. “If you don’t feel comfortable in a plunging sweater, skin-tight jeans and killer heels, go home and change.” Know your shape, what suits you and what matches your lifestyle.

• Worship no idols. The Parisian sports a look all her own, and her personal fashion idol may not be famous. The more obscure, the better. “Like the best designers, she takes inspiration from the streets.”

• Don’t be afraid to break rules. “Know how to take liberties with fashion’s sacred dictates. Some rules are meant to be broken. You love orange dresses with yellow shoes? Go for it!”

• Don’t go for the head-to-toe! Resist the head-to-toe look of the ladies-who-lunch at all costs! “Try to pursue offbeat chic, with added irony.” Samples of such offbeat chic: a pencil skirt with ballet flats (instead of heels); a diamond necklace with a denim skirt during the day (instead of a black dress at night); a pearl necklace with a rock-and-roll T-shirt (instead of a simple shift dress).

What’s the fashion faux pas you often commit? Ines cites a litany of don’ts, especially for women above 50.

“Furs,” she says, “are instant Cruella.” The “wrinkled trophy wife” look can be very aging... Stay away from ethnic print tunics and dresses in African batik prints. “Past a certain age, these look like costumes...” No matter how big or small your bust, not wearing a bra is always a mistake... And never wear a necklace and earrings at the same time: “No, no, no!! Not even at Christmas.”

Among Ines’ recommended hotels in Paris, I am most intrigued by L’Hotel, a hotel which was once a residence of France’s notorious Queen Margot. “After its recent makeover, it has become the fashion-world favorite... Oscar Wilde liked it here, you’ll love it.”

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Inspiration: Bleach Catastrophe in Greenbelt 5 pays tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Look what I found!

I love this shop called Bleach Catastrophe in Greenbelt 5 because of its edgy interiors and really nice stuff by artistic people, including Cecile Van Straten who has a line of clothing here. But I doubly love the shop now because it currently pays tribute to one of my fave artists, Frida Kahlo, whose biofilm I must have watched five times on TV. On a cruise to Mexico years ago, I was not able to see any Kahlo creation nor retrace her steps there, but I was happy to have found a shopping bag in a flea market with her face traced on it. Bleach Catastrophe is located at the second floor of Greenbelt 5, beside another fave hip place: the Swatch shop. Bleach Catastrophe shop has really hip clothes for men, too.

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Have you heard?

Vicki Belo says Jinkee Pacquiao told her that the Forbes Park house which Manny Pacquiao bought will be turned over to them by end of August. When Vicki went to the Makati Shangri-La dinner hosted by the Pacquiaos for Paris Hilton, Paris told Vicki after they beso-beso’d: “Hmmm, I like your perfume!” Vicki proudly said she was wearing a scent by Hayden Kho.