To listen to the podcast click here : http://media.blubrry.com/umbertdeparis/content.blubrry.com/umbertdeparis/o0WwLBSxVOXMMuTd6iuF.mp3

 

 

Umbert is always elegant, or casual-chic, even when he plays sports.

Why ? Because, most of the time, people judge others on their first impression, especially in Asia.

Even if you don’t care about your appearance, make an effort, it is essential.

The professional category, the age, the way of life, are important in man fashion, and each person will choose his style.

It is also a proof of respect for others.

However there are basics to respect to not look old-fashioned, on any occasion. Don’t dress like a rock-star, especially for a date.

 

« Fashion fades, only style remains », Coco Chanel, french fashion designer

« La mode se démode, le style jamais », Coco Chanel, créatrice de mode française

 

In this article :

1) The basics on how to dress

2) Différent styles

3) How to dress on special occasions

 

1) The basics on how to dress

Wear clean clothes. This seems obvious, but it is better to remember it. Of course, you will have also taken care of your physical cleanliness (hair, nails, skin).

Wear simple clothes, but that will showcase you, in which you feel natural and comfortable.

Avoid t-shirt, jeans with holes, dirty and too old shoes.

No flashy colors, keep them for later … Avoid the black color which is most of the time reserved for the funerals.

Avoid short-sleeved shirts, unless they are bent, sleeves tight, plain, prefer timeless polos.

Large belt buckles can be worn on jeans, but never with a suit.

The socks must go up below the knee, of course nobody can see them, but in Paris you never know …;) The choice of the color is important : choose the pant or shoes color, and avoid the white ones.

If you never wear suits, avoid them if the date or meeting is casual. You can also choose a mismatched pants and jacket to be more natural. Same for the tie.

Do not wear synthetic costumes, it shines, it’s uncomfortable, and there are so many natural materials available !

Never put the tie in the waistband of your pants, the tie should barely touch the top of the pants. The small side of the tie should not be longer than the large one.

Think about your age, your profession, your style and adapt your style.

Do not try to change your style at the first appointment. You will play a role inevitably, and this will take away all your natural. People will see it  immediately ! If your style does not please, it is not worth going further.

Now you are a rock-star, so smile and relax !

 

2) Différent styles 

* The leader : during the all year, it is fashionable to wear a suit. In the coming winter, Umbert will choose dark suits with a plain, thin-striped plain shirt, and a plain or patterned tie (never the same color as the shirt), and a breast pocket.

* The intellectual : fashion is not always important for them, they cultivate a style falsely neglected, that you can adopt when visiting Paris for exemple : tweed jacket, sweater with big ribs, comfortable velvet trousers, scarf.

* The creative/tech : often in black or gray, no tie, but a scarf. Umbert loves to wear a cashmere scarf for the winter.

* The exubérant : everything seems possible to them, but pay attention to the limit not to exceed.

3) Special occasions

On special occasions you have to ask the dress code. If there is an invitation, it should be written on the card.

* Casual : try to stay natural, no excess, with a wonderful sweater or a sport jacket during the autumn/winter.

 

To listen to the podcast click here :

 

Umbert loves to wander around the city during his monthly weekends, or at night.

He knows that the new etiquette and good manners demands to be always discreet and not to disturb others, even in the street and in all circumstances.

He also pays attention to respect the people and their country when travelling.

If someone asks him his way, he always responds kindly, or apologizes if he doesn’t know the answer.

When a car driver gives him the passage, he thankfully nodded politely.

 

« Courtesy is the main part of the etiquette, it is a kind of charm by which one is loved by everyone » Jacques Deval, artist and filmmaker

« La courtoisie est la partie principale du savoir-vivre, c’est une espèce de charme par où l’on se fait aimer de tout le monde », Jacques Deval artiste et cinéaste

 

In this article :

1) Public transportation

2) When shopping

3) Rainy days

4) The priorities, especially with women

5) With your group of friends

6) The cleanliness

 

1) Public transportation

Always stay behind the line and let the people exist first, especially in the subway, taxi or bus stations.

Let your seat to older persons, women or persons with disabilities, if the other seats are taken.

Put your bags under your knees, they don’t need a seat.

It is not convenient to eat or unpack food, the smell will disturb the other passengers.

Please don’t talk loudly on the phone, wait that you will be arrived.

Always be nice with the driver in buses, or any employee from the public transportation company, they try to make their job the best they can. Umbert always say « good morning » or « have a nice day » to the driver.

 

2) When shopping

Umbert loves to shop around and discover new things and trends.

When he goes to a shop, if there is a push door to open, he always hold it if someone wants to enter after him or exit.

When it is a pull door, don’t forget to hold the door first, to let the other enter or exit.

When the elevator arrives, let the the people exit first, then enter and let some space for others. This is the best way to not waste your and others time.

In the escalator stay on the right side so the people in a hurry can walk fast on the left side. People, especially in the cities are working, so if you respect them, they will also respect the tourists.

 

3) Rainy days

They are part of the charm of Paris and North Europe in general.

These days are often synonymous with congested sidewalks, because many streets in old cities are narrow. Do not forget that this is what makes them historic and charming.

Umbert pays attention not to jostle someone by walking too fast, and not to disturb everyone with his umbrella.

He always lowers his umbrella to let a woman pass.

A woman, meanwhile, will lower her umbrella to let an older woman pass.

Don’t forget that many work and are often in a hurry. They should therefore be given priority.

On the opposite, if you are in a hurry, do not “stick” the person in front.

When Umbert inadvertently hustles someone, even if he tries to never do, he immediately apologizes.

 

4) The priorities, especially with women

Umbert is a gallant man, when he sees a woman walking on the same sidewalk, he leaves her the side along the wall, proof that he takes care of her safety.

He always leave room for a woman on public transportation.

A man does not turn around and look at a woman. It’s a proof of respect.

If he meets a married person with another man, he pretends not to have seen them. He lets the woman come to him, if she wishes.

 

To listen to the podcast click here : http://media.blubrry.com/umbertdeparis/content.blubrry.com/umbertdeparis/VJcnTsKb3PhLwXrioFQt.mp3

 

 

Umbert loves to go to the restaurant. He is a gourmet, and every month, he gives you his choices for the best places. You can check Umbert Weekend.

To behave correctly at the restaurant is not a protocol matter, but part of the art-de-vivre and new etiquette.

Umbert gives you the Chronology on how to behave at the restaurant like a gentleman, and respect the New Etiquette.

 

« The gastronomy is an incredible source of happiness” Pierre Hermé, famous French pastry chef.

« La gastronomie est une formidable source de bonheur », Pierre Hermé, célèbre chef pâtissier.

 

In this article :

1) Arriving at the restaurant

2) At the table

3) How to eat some dishes

4) Leaving the restaurant

 

1) Arriving at the restaurant

If you have invited a woman, be sure to arrive before the time, if not contact her. 

When arriving with a lady, a man always goes first to the restaurant, and hold the door. Why ? This is an old tradition : to protect the woman from looks, or fights that were common in hostels in the past. If there is a staircase : the man goes first, it is also an old tradition because the man should not see the legs of the woman, and when they go down to avoid a fall to the lady.

Enter and wait for the butler to place you.

If the butler leads a couple to the table, the woman goes first. 

It is important to wait until the hostess places you. However, you can politely ask to change if the table proposed does not suit you.

The man gently pulls the woman’s chair to invite her to sit down and extends her right hand to the table. The woman is still sitting in front of the room and on the bench if there is one.

When Umbert invites friends to the restaurant, he asks for a table, and leads his guests there.

 

2) At the table

If the man arrives before, and is already at the table, he must get up when the woman arrives to greet her.

Never sit down first. The bench is always reserved for ladies. If there are two women, they will be side by side. If there are only chairs, think of pulling the woman’s chair, unless the butler does it.

When you sit down to the table, immediately put your towel on your legs, without waiting for the dish. The towel should not be tied around the neck, shirt or belt. It must stay on your knees, except to wipe your lips before drinking, so the glass is not dirty.

Turn off your phone ! Personal items shouldn’t be on the table (sunglasses, phone, keys etc …).

Do not put elbows on the table while eating.

To make your choice on the menu, do not look at the neighbors’ plate at another table. Do not choose dishes which are too expensive, to respect the other guest regarding the bill, or too modest, so you’ll seem cheap.

The host chooses the wines, after having asked everybody if his choice suits them. 

When the waiter comes to you with a bottle of red wine, look at the label to check the order. Turn the red wine in your glass delicately before tasting and agreeing.

The men serves the drink to the ladies who accompanies them, unless the butler does it. 

Glasses : the water glass is the largest on the left. The red wine glass is the middle one, the smallest white wine glass is on the right. Wipe your lips before drinking so you do not stain the glass.

If you do not want to drink wine, do not put your hand on the glass to refuse, but say “no thank you” to the server.

 

 

Umbert’s friend Alexandre looks for a fiancée and asks for advices on How to be a winner at the first date if he meets a pretty girl, and ask her for a date. 

Umbert is a man to whom his friends like to confess. Politeness and friendship have a rule : never tell another person the confidences made by a friend.

Today he meets Alexandre at the Café de Flore in Paris.

Umbert explains that pretty girls are difficult to seduce, and they pay attention to the etiquette and good manners, so it is important to follow his advices.

After meeting the “right person”, here is the second crucial moment : the date.

It is also the second difficult part, because everything will have to be in finesse and elegance.

 

“You’ll never have a second chance to make a good impression,” David Swanson

« Vous n’aurez jamais une seconde chance de faire une bonne impression », David Swanson

 

In this article :

1) General rules for a date

2) The date at the restaurant 

3) The conversation during the date

 

1) General rules for a date

Simplicity is key. Be yourself, lying is a waste of time, she will discover who you really are anyway.

The smile is the number one asset of seduction. Be friendly and charming.

The one who makes a woman laugh will be ahead of the one who floods her with to many compliments.

Have physical, moral and intellectual elegance.

Highlight your qualities. For example, your success in an industry or a sport. There may be other contenders, so put all the chances on your side. Whether you are beautiful, intelligent, rich or the opposite, girls like success. Do not show off with your money, car or house. Make yourself appreciate for yourself, it’s important for the future.

Before the appointment, you can think of a few topics. A man who does not know what to say will have no chance to please.

Avoid at all costs the vulgarity, the “heaviness” in the behavior, and don’t do too much, or say too much.

In all cases avoid personal problems, excessive development, and focus on the interest of the other.

I you are open, balanced, attentive, confident, cheerful …. !! Then everything will be fine.

2) The date at the restaurant

* Arrive in advance . Never be late to the first appointment, it would be a huge and gross mistake. If it happens contact her as soon as possible to let her know, she will really appreciate. And don’t try the « sorry I’m so busy … », she wants you to be busy by her !  

* Personal items shouldn’t be on the table (sunglasses, phone, keys etc …). This is a table for you and her, not yours.

* Turn off your phone !

* Get up when the woman arrives to greet her.

* If you’ve never met and are disappointed : do not show it, you will not see again.

* Find a sentence to welcome her, delicate, kind without doing too much. A compliment on her outfit and elegance will always be appreciated. A little shyness does not hurt or at least a little reserve.

* Never sit down first. The bench is always reserved for ladies. If there are only chairs, think of pulling the woman’s chair, unless the butler does it.

* When you sit down to table, immediately put your towel on your legs, without waiting for the dish.

* Start the conversation and look her eyes to talk.

* It is the man who places the order at the Maître d’Hotel and chooses the wines, after having asked the woman if his choice suits her. Do not look at the neighbors’ plate at another table to make your choice.

* The man serves the drink to the woman who accompanies him, unless the butler does it.

* Before starting to taste the dishes, wait until she is served.

 

To listen to the podcast click here : https://umbert-de-paris.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/EVAiaOoMkSeqhxRyXGuR.mp3

 

 

Umbert is invited to a party with his friend Diane in a sumptuous Haussmann apartment in Paris.

Diane friends know the good manners and how to behave.

To present oneself is the first act of interaction with the other guests.

The first impression being the one that counts the most, Umbert reminds you of the basic rules of the New Etiquette and manners.

 

“Politeness is a mark of respect : nature gives it, education increases it », Louis-Philippe de Ségur, diplomat 

“La politesse est une marque de respect : la nature la donne, l’éducation l’augmente”, Louis-Philippe de Ségur, diplomate 

 

In this article : 

1) General rules

2) The presentations rules

3) The presentation process

4) Kiss or no kiss

 

1) General rules to introduce yourself according to the New Etiquette

Immediately giving the best self-image is a difficult art, so Umbert offers you those general advices that are easy to follow anywhere.

* First you have to stand-up to meet the guests.

* Keep your arms loosely at your side, ready to shake hands.

* Smile to give the image of a person at ease, happy to know those that are presented to you.

* Do maintain eye contact to prove your sincerity and confidence, do not keep your sunglasses if you are outside.

* Speak clearly to avoid having the caller repeat, especially your name, so never chew gum, or eat while talking.

If you are shy or uncomfortable, have someone introduce you.

If you meet a celebrity, do not stare at her, and take a picture only with her permission, especially if she has a bodyguard !!

 

2) The presentations rules to introduce yourself according to the New Etiquette

* Three criteria must be respected : the age, the sex and the social status.

* The youngest person is presented to the oldest

* The man to the woman

* An employee to his employer

* The least “graded” to the most “graded”

 

* The persons to reach out first are :

* The women

* The hosts

* Older people

* People of high social standing

 

3) The presentation process to introduce yourself according to the New Etiquette

* State your name first, then your second name: “Good evening, Umbert De Paris ». Never say : the name first, or Mr Umbert De Paris, or I am Umbert De Paris. Only use Mr or Mrs when you make an appointment, for example, at the hairdresser.

* You can say « Mr », « Sir », « Mrs » or « Madam » only for an older person.

* How should the handshake be ? Be careful, it reveals your personality !

* Too strong : proof of self-confidence, but also of authoritarianism

* Not strong enough : proof of indifference, of boredom

* Too long : loving intention or strong affection 

* Strong enough, not too long : this is the proper way to do it

* If you wear gloves, remove them, but a woman can keep them in the street. The man must propose to the woman to keep them.

* If you enter a room where there are many people : it is not necessary to shake hands, you must shake the host hand, and smile to all saying a general hello

 

* Once the interlocutor knows your name, you can add “How are you? ». Never starts with “How are you?” which is reserved for intimates. 

* You can say say “I am delighted to meet you” or” I am delighted to know you “or” I am very happy to ...

 

To listen to the podcast click here : https://umbert-de-paris.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BMn0Z3eNlOvYShjFzWzf-1.mp3

 

 

Umbert returns quickly to Paris for September, after having participated in the opening of the 44th Festival of the American Cinema of Deauville.

Umbert loves this time of the year when Paris comes back to life after the long break of the summer.

He likes to listen to his friends who tell him about their many trips and long weekends during the vacations.

This month, you’ll discover How to spend the best September weekend ever in Paris.

 

“Paris, come to invite me in your arms, I would like to dance my Paris of September”, from “Paris in the month of September” Jean-Claude Pascal, singer

“Paris, viens m’inviter dans tes bras, je voudrai danser mon Paris du mois de septembre”,  Jean-Claude Pascal, chanteur

 

 

In this article : 

1) Day 1

* Check-in : Hotel Le Bristol

* Brunch : Le Cabana Café, Hotel Plaza Athénée

* Shopping : Balibaris, éclectic, Atelier Baudin

* Hairdresser : Gentleman 1919

* Diner & Cocktail : La Maison Blanche

2) Day 2

* Coffee & Croissants : Hotel Le Bristol

* City tour : Les « Puces «  de Saint Ouen

* Brunch : Mob Hotel

* Diner : Bar de L’Entracte

* Show : Crazy Horse

* Cocktail : Le 1905

3) Day 3

* Brunch : Minipalais, Grand Palais

* Exhibition : Les Impressionnistes à Londres, Petit Palais

* High tea : Hotel Le Bristol

 

1) Day 1

* Check-in 

Umbert likes to stay at the Hotel Le Bristol in Paris. This palace offers the best service, savoir-vivre and Parisian elegance. The hotel is a reference of the French art-de-vivre. From the entrance until your room, personalized and smiling welcome is always a pleasure.

Hotel Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint- Honoré 75008 Paris 

Etiquette : When arriving at the hotel until 6pm say « Bonjour Madame or Monsieur”, and after 6pm “Bonsoir Madame or Monsieur », in French, it is not difficult.

* Brunch 14:00-15:00 

The Beverly Hills Hotel Los Angeles in Paris ? Yes it is possible this summer ! The Plaza Athénée, in association with the Californian palace, has installed a superb ephemeral terrace in the heart of Paris. Green, white, pink, color, cheerfulness ! Umbert and his friends enjoy imaginative dishes from the Beverly Hills Hotel, in a chic and casual atmosphere.

Le Cabana Café, hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris

Etiquette : It is important to wait until the hostess places you. However, you can politely ask to change if the table proposed does not suit you. 

* Shopping 15:00-17:00 

éclectic : Winter is coming, so Umbert will choose a coat and a jacket in this specialized shop, which proposes timeless clothes, mixing the traditional know-how and the high-tech materials for an absolute comfort. éclectic, 17 rue Marbeuf 75008 Paris 

Balibaris : A young and casual style for clothes that evokes the elegance of Steve Mc Queen. Umbert loves the knit ties they sell from the beginning of this brand. Balibaris,