I knew about this book from a TV show “Comment ça va bien” at France 2 by the end of 2010. It’s about the launching of the book “La Parisienne” by Ines de la Fressange, a former top french model – Chanel and Roger Vivier brand ambassador, on a lesson on how to dress like a chic Parisien. I couldn’t disagree with her, the secret of being simple effortless chic is to feel well/ comfortable with yourself inside the clothes. You don’t have to feel uncomfortable because your heel is too high, you don’t complain because your skirt is too tight, etc. And I like the way they illustrate it with artsy street-style photos of her daughter Nine D’Urso and some illustrations. Inside there are some tips/ shops where to shop good stuff in Paris. Ok, here are something that we can learn about and the essential thing that we should have in the wardrobe:
Lesson 1: Blazer
It’s the ultimate chic statement without looking too much or giving too much effort. You could roll up the sleeves or lining it with a different statement color belt.
Lesson 2: Trench Coat
One of the key to look simple and effortless, as what she wrote in the book:
“Never, ever buckle the belt properly like a good little girl. Tie it in front or behind with the buckle hanging loose. Unobtrusive fashion statements like this (‘Life’s too short,’ or ‘the buckle’s broken but I love this coat so much I found a solution …’) are very, very Parisian.”
Lesson 3: LBD/ Little Black Dress
I really really love what she wrote here:
“The little black dress is not simply an item of clothing, it’s a concept. It’s abstract, it’s universal, which means there’s one that’s perfect for everyone … Today the Parisian has several little black dresses, just as she has several pairs of jeans: each is a variation on a theme.”
Do you remember Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Lesson 4: The perfect Jeans
Find your perfect jeans because jeans are never too risky, they go with everything!
Lesson 5: The bag
Never never buy a fake luxury bag! Buy a bag that makes you feel worthy that make you feel as a special individual. It doesn’t have to be designer bag if you can’t afford it but it should make you feel worthy and always always be the best you can afford. Then you can carry it everyday and match it with your style. It will be timelessly fashionable this way because elegance goes along with timelessness.
“Better a genuine straw bag than a fake luxury label. Counterfeit is counterfashion!” Yes, Ines! high five!
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I adore this book!
me too! Its like a guidelines when we go to Paris, it has some address where to shop in Paris as well
Like your post! But unfortunately, when it is raining and hands are occupied (by strollers or kids), all I need is just something with hood though hubby said it is ugly, not fashion, not chic
It’s the matter of being comfortable with ourselves, we could wear a comfy blazer instead of hoody sweat, or we could wear a flat instead of sneaker