Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

I think that this book fulfils two purposes: it is a philosophical guide, and a guide to Paris.The philosophical guide:There are very few strict dress rules - quality is better than quantity, but I can see very few British women, who are not approaching 6' and very slim, following them without the need to make major adjustments. I'm 5'3", older and a size 14. I can attempt to follow the advice, but in some ways, eg the vest top, forget it if you want to look chic and do not have the arms of Michele Obama. To put it bluntly, it is a very specific Parisian philosophy that, to some extent, is anti fashion and alien to the British culture of cheap shopping and fashion statements. Her beauty tips are brilliant, especially for someone who doesn't do make-up!Her ideas for the home perhaps have been preceded by the 'House Doctor', but if the author's look is one for which you strive, the rules and instructions are there.The city guide:This I found much more useful! Where to shop, where to eat, where to stay AND what there is in Paris for children. If the first half of the book appeals to you, the second half is essential. Usefully, web addresses are given, so you can peruse and then find similar in the UK.Conclusion:I breezed through this book. I bought a similar coat to the one recommended, but concluded I should look ridiculous in the footwear constantly advertised; I did try a pair, but alas, my feet, like my body, are not French. Do I want to look like all the women in Paris? No! Do I want to simplify and reduce the size of my wardrobe? Yes! Do I want to stop feeling guilty about not usuing many cosmetics? Again, yes. I would recommend this book for those purposes.Finally, it is good to have a guide book, written by a working mother, albeit with seemingly unlimited funds. I look forward to using it on my next shoping trip to Paris.

The book is good if you're just starting an interest in fashion or Parisian style. But personally, it turned out to be all the stuff you've read in every other basic book before. Very basic advice. I am not even that heavily into fashion & style and I had heard 99.9% of the stuff in here before. Only positive is the ideas/info about places to visit in France, but then again I feel this info may be slightly out of date now. Good gift for a young teenager?

Loved this book as the ideas are timeless and can be adapted to your own style. Also Ines is quite witty - fashion faux pas to avoid (leather jacket + biker boots “we are not Marlon Brando” lol). Luckily I bought it second hand as I’ve turned down loads of pages.

OK, I am tall, definitely not a stick insect, but I walk and carry myself well (I'm a good big woman as they say!), and get to Paris often. This was an interesting read, but not much more than I have been hearing from IdelF for years. She's good though, I admire her personal style enormously, but the shopping advice will soon go out of date, and the basic wardrobe could be gleaned from many a magazine article. But it's OK, and I can pass it on to someone with nary a backward look if I want to. The best advice as always is looked groomed, soignée and never ever ever look like a games teacher in mufti. A bientôt!I sold it.

this is a fun little style guide. A was expecting more style content, but a lot of the guide is about where to shop in Paris, which is not really happening this year :/