NATALIE JOOS

There are a handful of women in the fashion industry that I admire. Among them are the epic mothers of fashion journalism, Suzy Menkes and Hilary Alexander, as well as more recent greats like Tamu McPherson and Caroline Issa. Each woman is carving their individual place in the fashion industry and retaining great amounts of integrity and class while doing it. I like that.

One person who has recently landed on my fashion radar is the multi-talented Natalie Joos. She's a casting agent, author, photographer and consultant - a woman of many talents, no doubt. She also has a kick butt blog that I love. It's called Tales of Endearment and it chronicles all her adventures and has beautiful photos. Natalie is one of the stand out subjects of street style during fashion week thanks to her bold outfits and infectious smile. She always looks so upbeat and positive - an excellent reminder that fashion should always be fun.

CHAINMAIL AT PACO RABANNE...

I'm normally not into super sexy clothes - I'd pick an oversized cashmere jumper over a skimpy dress any day.

With that in mind, I totally did not expect to be won over by the Paco Rabanne show. I had the chance to see the show when I was in Paris last week and, suprisingly, it totally blew me away. The chainmail detailing is used in such a clever way. I just wanted to stroke every piece that came down the catwalk - the textures are so alluring. I loved the long sleeved straight dress that was worn by Ruby Aldridge and all the footwear.

Full length images via style.com

PARIS: THE BONUS BUNCH...

Ooo, la la, Paris Fashion Week... how wonderful you were.

Before the Valentino show I overheard a man whispering to two women. 'This is the bloggers catwalk,' he sneered as he pointed down at the white plastic sheet that had been laid out across the wet gravel. Actually, it's the unavoidable path for anyone going to a show in the Tuileries. The bizarre thing is, no matter how important you are your car still has to let you out a short trek away from the venue's entrance which means everyone gets the pleasure of strutting their stuff down the white tarp. Photographers swarm around at the sides waiting for their prey and the perfect moment to pounce.

Here's a little selection of shots that haven't made it up anywhere but that I love a little.

p.s. I'm now desperate for a kilt that I can layer over slouchy jeans, and a clutch like Susie's that has a little hand strap.

OUTSIDE CHLOE...

Being in Paris is a bit surreal - but being in Paris for fashion week is totally surreal. The experience is sheer madness and entirely different from London. There are hoards of people, photographers and show goers, plus random swarms of tourists mixed in. The sprinkling of larger-than-life industry insiders is enough to make your jaw drop. How are all my biggest girl crushes walking right past me?! Oooh, they all look so achingly cool. It takes all my effort not to drool right on their Marant wedge sneakers.

One thing I've learned is that if you want to get a shot you'll have to run for it...

p.s for more random/regular Paris updates check out Tumblr.