"La Mode"

OK, so I go to France and know nothing about anything.
I am totally open to almost everything.  From the very start,
in floods all these amazing things,  ideas and concepts.
Take fashion for instance.  The French call it "La Mode."

What is "La Mode?"  Is it what is "in fashion."
Or is it?  Most French are oblivious to "fashion."
They say that "La Mode" is a fickle master and
mostly for rich people who have a need to keep up
with the latest styles.  Is it another way the French sell
us on fluff?

But there is "La Mode."  And the real "mode" is
a personal psychology of how to present oneself.
It's what you feel comfortable wearing.  It's what
goes with what you are doing.  It is a way to be.

So why do the French, especially women, have such
great style?  Doesn't that cost a lot of money?
Not exactly!  French women have very few items of
clothing, but what they do have is very high quality.
It generally lasts for many years.
So they have maybe two black dresses that can go
with anything and for any occasion.  The clothes look good,
and they could even be Designer.  The point is that
"La Mode" is not about quantity.  It is about quality and a personal
statement of style no matter when the clothes were bought.

Ultimately, fashion or "La Mode" is up to you.
But that doesn't mean that people don't have to have
the latest styles, because that is what keeps the
logos and the trademarks and the hype in fashion.