Lessons From Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris Paperback – 17 Nov. 2011

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, the reviews were somewhat mixed, and now I've finished it I'm really pleased I went ahead and purchased it! A lot of the advice is available elsewhere and also common sense, but what I liked about this author was that she described her experiences with joy and an aliveness that can only be found in someone who is living by what she writes!I've decided to start adapting my own lifestyle to one that Jennifer describes. Admittedly I want to start with everything right away, but she does caution the reader to take small steady steps and this is my own plan.I particularly love the concept of the small capsule wardrobe, and have already started planning this from some of the other books I've purchased on just this topic. The slight difference I have is that I'll be making all my garments, including my lingerie, and feel excited to try new luxury fabrics for myself and now don't feel too overwhelmed by my project...I only have 10 garments to make!I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to simplify and start to enjoying what life has to offer...I'm also considering pre-ordering her next book too!

This book is quick and easy to read. Each chapter has a page of bulleted learning points at the end. Most of the advice is common sense and, knowing French families as I do, is pretty accurate about the French middle class attitude to life.I enjoyed this book, although there is quite a bit of blatant product placement in it, plus several plugs for the author's own website and column.I'd recommend it as a good holiday book, a fun and inspirational read.

Lovely book thoroughly enjoyed it. Very inspiring in fact ! Every girl should read it. I recommend this one to my 2 daughters in fact I simply must make sure that they will read it too. It is written in a simple and unpretentious way, and although I knew most of the advise it gives it is a pleasure to read and inspires you to be a bit like Madame C herself.It is a great insight into French culture.

I couldn't wait to receive this little book & it has not disappointed. Beautifully written & presented, with lot's of interesting tips like the 10 item wardrobe, le no-makeup look (I've adopted the au naturel version!!) & alway's using the best things you have. If you've always admired the 'French way of life', then you'll love this book.

I was intrigued by the table of contents in the free sample and really looked forward to reading this book, but it left me a little disappointed for the price.Most of it was sound advice, but in my humble opinion, a lot of it did not go past common sense, and a small number of the lessons went beyond practicing the real art of living and into rather frivolous territory. For example, in terms of decorating your living space, you were advised to prioritise aesthetics over comfort because it encouraged you to live more formally with better posture. (But what a pity it is if you can't fully relax in your own home!) In another lesson, the author went into great detail about her personal skincare routine which sounds torturously precise, product-laden and over-the-top.The anecdotes are quite entertaining but I am a little incredulous that Madame Chic, elegant and well-mannered as she was, would be so uncouth as to constantly stop the writer in her tracks and tell her in a passive-aggressive way what was wrong with her clothes/taste/general sloppy American-ness. Fair dues, I'm sure some creative liberty had to be taken in the depiction of events, but I find it hard to envision such a lack of class in an elegant lady, even if she was never rude outright. (Ironic because later on there was specifically a bit on manners with an example of biting your tongue in a difficult situation!) And of course in each situation the writer felt deeply ashamed and vowed to improve her lot immediately. It got a little too Pygmalion for me.All in all, a decent read, but for the price I think you can get better elsewhere. For tips on how to live like a French woman I recommend "Two Lipsticks and a Lover" or anything by Mirelle Guliano. As for practicing the art of living, I find that "Miss Minimalist" gives much simpler, easier advice on how to enjoy and appreciate life without all the frou frou.

This book features many great lessons to be learned. It has many tips and I particularly like the 'le recap' after each chapter. I have the whole box set and I am more than delighted that I bought every single one. This isn't just a book for those who have no manners or for people who 'don't know simple everyday etiquette'. This is a book that you pick up and won't want to put down. It's a manual that has helped me alot!

This is based upon the experience of the author's stay with a family in Paris. The author is American and so the cultural gap is wider than for English readers. I love all things French, and my favourite is still Helena Frith Powell's 'Two Lipsticks and a Lover'. That said, I still enjoyed the fact the lovely combination of personal anecdotes and experiences with the general principles of the approach of Parisian women. There are lots of generic tips but I would have preferred more specifics - eg where to go to get that sparkling underwear etc. However, I am still glad that I have got it on my kindle.

Have been wanting to get this book for years and I’m so glad I did- read it all and thoroughly enjoyed it.