C comme Couches

 Everyone wants to dress like the French. There are scads of how-to books out there. But few address the issue of layering or rather 'undressing'. The French dress much like a sandwich, with lots of layering/les couches.

 Basically the weather is big factor in French style. Be prepared to shed your clothes throughout the day as temperatures rise. Naturally in the morning you'll want to be warmly dressed with many layers.

 Mid-morning reduce to merely a jacket + shirt + scarf + T-shirt + skirt/pants.

 Close to noon more bits come off. Shirt tails showing is de rigueur/A-OK.

 At absolute noon it would be best not to strip down to your skivvies but almost is OK.

 Don't forget it can rain at the drop of a hat in Paris. Be prepared with umbrella, rainboots and raincoat to throw back on.

 Latching a bebe onto your front as an accessory is fine in any weather plus an ice creme cone. The more layers the better.

 French children learn to layer from day 1.

 French food has always been known for it's complexity of layers and flavors . Perhaps they invented it?

 The macaron makes the perfect layered sandwich. You can put whatever you want between the two cookies. Is it any wonder the French have embraced this dessert whole-heartedly. It appeals to their deepest instincts.

 Again the famous, but very simple tarte fine, made up of thin layerings of fruit with a lashing of apricot glaze, perfectly reflects how layers exists in every part of French culture.

 How have I come to these conclusions you ask? Layering is an integral part of watercolor painting. Placing thin layers of color on top of color creates entirely new colors. Any watercolorists worth his or her salt is bound to have special insight into the French. It's a given. C'est comme ca. 

French tea time, etsy, 9" x 11"

Do you know the French word for 'layering'?
Jill does - Les Couches.