Fashion in Brasil

Click title above for fun video...


This lady is 60 years young!

First let me say, that this particular Blog entry is aimed at women. Men can read, of course, but mostly women will get what I'm saying. (Honestly, I don't think the men will get much past the pictures.)

Women in Brasil, no matter what age, are comfortable in their bodies, and love to show them off. And I have first-hand knowledge that indeed, Brasil has some of the most beautiful women in the world. So what do you do when you are average looking, overweight, and self-conscious? Laugh it off. Seriously, there is not anything else you can do. In Brasil, these things are nothing to get upset over. Men in Brasil are quite forgiving I've found. They love women of all shapes and sizes. And would much rather have a fat, happy wife, instead of a grumpy wife with a flawless body. At least that's my rationalization.

Ok, now, show of hands, after looking at the pictures shown on this post, how many of you, are headed straight to the gym, or for a walk around the block? How many of you ditched the bowl of bon-bons you had sitting next to the computer ? Don't bother, cause let me tell you, it's just not in our DNA to look that way. Brasilian women are born with an extra beauty gene.

So what does any of this have to do with fashion in Brasil you ask? Pu-lenty. I noticed something when I returned to America after two years in Brasil--American women don't like to show their assets. Better yet, if American women do show their assets, they are written up on the internet like tramps. If you haven't noticed it, take a look next time at some of the news items coming out about what actresses wear on the red carpet and the comments...too much cleavage, skirt too short, slit too high on her thigh, cut all the way down her back, etc. In Brasil, these are normal modes of dress in everyday life, including in the workplace. I have honestly wondered how Brasilian men get anything done when they work closely with women. Rarely will you see a Brasilian woman dressed in anything dressier than a low-cut top and a pair of jeans in an office, unless she, herself, decides not to dress that way. The country has absolutely no dress code, whatsoever. Oh, and shoes-- Brasilian women LOVE high heels. They wear them with just about anything. And in the winter, high-heeled boots. Pointy-toed high heels are the footwear staple everywhere you go.

I guess all this points to just one thing. Brasilian women know sexy. They get it from an early age and they hone the skill of sexy all their lives. We have no choice but to admire them because quite frankly, we cannot ever begin to compete with something that beautiful that comes that naturally. But hey, there are plenty of other things that make a woman attractive to a man. I, personally, have really been working on my cooking skills.

I may just come up with a few cooking tips for my readers as well.

Till then, Ciao!

Curitiba (Coo-reh-tee-bah) - A Model City (click on title to see video about Curitiba)

Curitiba, in the State of Parana, is definitely a must-see when traveling to Southern Brasil. It is the city we fly into when traveling from the US, as it's airport is easy to navigate, and it is only a little over an hour's drive away from our family in Santa Catarina, the next state south of Parana. On my very first trip to Brasil, in 2003, we stayed in Curitiba for a couple of days to sightsee. It was fabulous. The city is very clean, especially the Batel district (financial district). Huge skyscrapers are abundant, and the architecture in this city is not to be believed. I'll just touch on a couple of my most memorable experiences, as there is not enough room on this page to tell you everything I love about this city.

Serra Verde Express - This is a train ride that begins in Curitiba, goes up into the mountains, stops in the picturesque city of Morretes for lunch, and ends at the seaside town of Antonina. At this point, you can either return to Curitiba via train, or for added pleasure, you can get off the train in Antonina, and take a bus ride back through the protected mountain range to Curitiba on the Graciosa Road. We did the latter. Good choice. The views are absolutely breathtaking, the small towns are inviting, and the whole experience is not to be missed. If you'd like to check it out further, you can either google Serra Verde Express, or go to You Tube and type in Serra Verde Express (highlights) and watch the video. At today's exchange rate, the entire trip, which takes most of the day, costs around $120 US.

Oscar Niemeyer Art Museum - Spectacular building and grounds. The main building is built as a giant eye. Once in the main room, you can look out from the eye over the surrounding area. The exhibits are fantastic, especially the modern art and sculptures. There is a tunnel that leads from the outside into the belly of the main gallery that is fun to walk through...it is all white with skylights along the edges. Niemeyer was famous for his use of concrete in creating his buildings. You don't want to miss this Museum.

The shopping is fabulous, the food--goes without saying, and although I've never gone to Curitiba in the warmer months, I understand the beaches are gorgeous, especially Ilha do Mel (Honey Island). Hotel accommodations range from ordinary to spectacular. We were fortunate enough on our first trip to stay in a 4 star hotel for less than $40 a night, due to the fact that the exchange rate was above 3 to 1. We felt like royalty. Although the exchange rate today is less than 2 to 1, I don't know where else you could stay in a large city in a 4 or 5 star hotel for less than $150, and in most cases, closer to $100 a night.

So that is Curitiba. Don't know what I'll write about next--possibly fashion. Women in Brasil--women of any age--dress very sexy, and are so much less self-conscious of themselves than in the US, at least from my perspective. Stay tuned.

Till then, Tchau!