Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange Paperback – 4 April 2011

I have a copy of this in French, but wanted to be able to share the great advice with English-reading-only friends. In actual fact, however, the format is different - the English book is wider so that the text is less cramped, and it's all-in-all easier to read. However, it shares with the French version the ultra-feminine, slightly luxurious red-and-gold faux-leather cover, making it a tactile delight!I have read a few negative comments here about the book being too Paris-centric. But surely that's inevitable?, given the very nature of the book - from it's clearly stated title, to it's Paris-based author, and her reason for writing it: she was being deluged with e-mail requests to share her "carnet de bonnes adresses å Paris" - so it seems somewhat disingenuous to complain that she has done EXACTLY THAT!! However, much of the style advice is pertinent to shoppers everywhere, and on every budget. The photos of Inès' beautiful daughter Nine, and her own whimsical sketches make this book an absolute delight. A blend of refreshing style sense and a soupçon of Gallic decadence make for a great read - highly recommended!!

I ordered this book because I really like the author - Ines de la Fressange-'s style. A former Chanel model and now spokeperson for French shoe brand Roger Vivier, she knows what she is talking about! From first glance this book would make an ideal present for a female relative or friend; the red leather-like cover feels smooth to the touch and the gold font complete with a stylish illustration by the author herself adds a personal touch. There is also a ribbon bookmarker inside!The book is split into a number of sections, all orientated around Parisian style. One section is about do's and dont's which is rather amusing, one is dedicated to Parision boutiques which is so inspiring and makes me envy their select style, one runs through the basic fashion items all Parisian women should have in their wardrobe. I particularly liked this part because the model in the pictures is actually Ines' daughter and she is stunning - a wonderful example of a true Parisian girl.This book really inspired me to dress in a much more simple yet stylish way. I now avoid faddy fashion trends - which are a waste of money in the long term - and spend my money only on the classic basics; stripy tops and ballet pumps, for example which you CAN make work for you in the workplace.I strongly advise you to buy this book if you are stuck in a faddy-fashion rut, it will pull you out and turn you into a tailored, more put-together version of yourself. Yes, us English girls love eccentric style but we can always build on a good foundation - which Ines de la Fressange has nailed in this book.

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.

I agree with other reviewers that it is more of a guide book on Paris than anything else. We found a wonderful museum on Blvd Haussmann which we proably would never have gone to unless I had read about it in the book. It is also good for shops that you may not have ordinarily gone to. The 'fashion' part of the book is OK although I thought rather limiting in style. What works for one person may not work for another. The line that really annoyed me that Ines said that all the jewellry you needed was a wedding ring. Luckily I am very happily married but many are not and I felt some of the copy was far too simplistic and thoughtless However saying all that I found it a very entertaing read although probably not in the way that I bought it for in the first place! My daughter livied in Paris for two years and I can say that Paris is my favourite capital city in the world and we know it quite well now, but the book certainly enhanced another stay there recently.