Review: Parisian chic by Ines de la Fressange

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I got the book "Parisian Chic - A style guide" by Ines de la Fressange recently, and now I have had a chance to read it.

I expected this book to be a book about the fashion sense of the chic Parisiennes, but actually, it is only part style guide, and not a very original one at that, and part a travel guide to Paris.

Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with reading about what restaurants to go to in Paris and so on, but it really wasn't what I was expecting from this book, so I have to say I was a bit dissapointed because of that.

The book does, however, have parts that are a very nice read for those mostly wanting to read about fashion as well.
For example, Ines de la Fressange explains why:
Coordinating is a crime, according to Parisians
They love trying out new labels
They don't like looking rich
It is important for them that the garments are comfortable
They love combining black and navy
They plan their clothing purchases
How they mix things up and make them interesting

So I definitely would not say the book was not a good read, or about Parisian chic at all, I just expected there to be MORE of these things in the book.

Either way, if you are a huge fan of Paris, consider getting this book, otherwise, there are better Parisian style guides out there.

(pic from Aestetic Alterations)

Got two new books today

Parisian Chic - A style guide by Ines de la Fressange
and
Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell (about young Carrie Bradshaw)

I can't wait to read these!

Review: The Dress Doctor by Edith Head

I recently got The Dress Doctor - Prescriptions for Style. From A to Z by Edith Head, in an updated version. For those of you who do not know who Edith Head was, she was a legendary costume designer that worked with some of the biggest movie stars of all times in Hollywood. Some of her clients include>
Grace Kelly
Katharine Hepburn
and
Cary Grant, all known for their great style.

So of course I also wanted to know if I could learn something from such a woman. And boy, could I!
First of all, even if the advice in the book would all have been bad, it was filled with very nice illustrations, which would have made it a pleasure to read anyway.

But the advice in the book is also really cute, quirky, useful and fun, so I really enjoyed this book.
Some of the advice given in this book include:
What to wear to an amusement park
What to wear when you go bowling
How to decide what to wear to formal parties
How to decide what to wear to informal parties
How to choose the right jewels
Advice regarding The Little Black Dress
Maternity Clothing
How to choose the right clothing for your personality

and much more.

So I can highly recommend this book, it really is a must for anyone who collects fashion books, like me!