If you're bored with me blathering on about Ines de la Fressange click away now... I have the new Parisian Chic style guide in my hands and I'm about to use it. Inspired by my new book, I created this lovely still-life photo for you. The stripey vase and tulips (a French home needs fresh flowers) have a Gallic twist, non? According to the model du jour, you don't have to be born in Paris to have Parisian style - and Blackpool does have its own tower.
So, this charming style guide has a posh scrapbook kind of feel, with lots of photos, notes and sketches by IdlF:
I know, there are hundreds of fashion books out there, and some of the Parisian Chic tips we've definitely heard before, but at least this is witty and believable. After all, this model and consultant for Roger Vivier does have thirty years experience in the fashion industry. And who doesn't adore simple French style? I'd rather look like Ines than Trinny and Susannah any day of the semaine.
But this isn't Ines, it's her 17 year-old daughter, Nine. With a chapter on Fashion Botox: don't dress like a teenager, trying to look young is the quickest way to look old, and tips on lifelong beauty - it would've been nice to see IdlF modelling herself. In fact, I seem to remember seeing images of both mother and daughter together, but maybe they're from the French edition (?)
Anyhow. These photos show you how to achieve Parisian style with some not-so-basic basics:
Ines' Paris provides some excellent insider information; where to shop, where to eat and where to have yourself some family fun. Making this a city guide as well a journal of Parisian style. And there are chapters on beauty (That's Not My Age is pleased to learn that mascara on the lower lashes is a French faux pas - I've never worn it because it looks odd. How chic), Parisian deco and how to host the perfect dinner party: keep your guests hungry! The longer they wait the more they'll tell you how delicious everything is.
J'aime Parisian Chic, bien sur. Now all I need is a pair of penny loafers and a cheap Eurostar ticket.
Parisian Chic: A Style Guide, by Inés de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet.
Formidable!
ReplyDeleteAll I need is to be 5'11" like IdlF ...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I can't wait to get my copy!!! HHL
ReplyDeleteI thought it had both mother and daughter also. What's the point of having a 17 year old model for this book?
ReplyDeleteI was going to order it, but now having second thoughts.....
I may have to track down this book...the daughter is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed to hear that Ines is not a featured model in the book-- I thought she was, too. Still want to read it anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteam off to Paris with college next month. hope to develop innate style and chicness by then..must drop by amazon
ReplyDeleteTiffany - yes, being 5'11 and beautiful definitely helps!
ReplyDeleteprojectforty - Pas de problem. Do you have a navy sweater and some white jeans?
This looks like a great book but as you say, would have preferred to see Ines doing the modelling! Definitely one for my 'wish list', I think...x
ReplyDeleteI really need to get this book. I am in Paris a lot - I'm going in a few hours, in fact - so I might even claim it on expenses! (joke, joke!) x
ReplyDeleteHi there-it looks an amazing read, tres bien!! xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. I could definitely do with a copy! Love your flowers and vase xx
ReplyDeleteYes I thought it was mother and daughter pics too. Hmmm, odd that they changed it for the UK edition, if that is what has happened x
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard that the French edition had both mother and daughter.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard the English (or at least the American English version) has only the daughter, I thought, "what, do they think we can't handle looking at 'old' people?) :P
The tulips & vase are a wow. I have so many fashion books but maybe I could sneak this one in...xx
ReplyDeleteThis was really like buying an expensive magazine -there's nothing in it that you don't already know. It's a shame about the Ines pictures (you can see them if you google image the book), but really it's just a big plug for some shops and restaurants in Paris that you might not have known about.
ReplyDeleteI love IDlF but was disappointed with this book. I had it on pre-order and got it last week but am done with it now. Not something to dip in and out of. And yes, if you're 5'11'' and weigh 120lbs then you're going to look great in white jeans and a navy sweater.
Love your still life!
ReplyDeletehttp://carly-serendipity.blogspot.com/
I need to tell you that I carefully hid a copy of this in Waterstone's in Edinburgh today and went off to get some money to pay for it. when I came back....IT WAS GONE....
ReplyDelete*gutted* bought myself a cupcake by way of commiseration.
AX
Elizabeth - I know what you mean, when I first flicked through the book I felt a bit underwhelmed and yes, we have heard a lot of this before but I think Ines has put her own (quite charming) spin on things. Plus, I've picked up a couple of new ideas too. And I do really liked the Ines' Paris section, I'll definitely check out some of the shops/cafes next time I visit.
ReplyDeleteAlison - Nooo! Can they order one for you? The cupcake was the perfect consolation prize, Ines would approve.
ReplyDeleteMy book arrived today, so I was happy to come across your preview before I dive into it. I'm disappointed Ines isn't modeling the clothes, but her daughter is charming. Lovely still life.
ReplyDelete