Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

Hello Darlings, A week ago, I bought the much hyped Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange with Sophie Gachet. The book was released in April 2011, and has generated much buzz in the fashion community. Unlike Nina Garcia's books, which are useful and heavily fashion oriented, this book lacked substance. Claiming to reveal the secrets of Parisian chic, this book by author Ines de la Fressange belongs more in France travel section than it does the fashion section.

I appreciate the fascination with Parisian chic — however a beret and a nautical shirt is no revelation. There are a few interesting points but mostly this is a picture book for adults. In total there are about 60 pages out of 230 that are dedicated to fashion, and another 15 to beauty; with the rest mostly based on Paris and its attractions. For a book that claims to be a fashion guide, I am very disappointed given that only 27% focuses on the actual topic.

Is it a cute book? Yes! Is it worth the hefty $34 price tag, absolutely not. I would save this one for a library visit. Plus the constant, "All Parisian women... do this and that" is obnoxious.  Let's face it, outside of the romantic illusion of the so-called Paris born style, Paris is a city full of different women and I am sure that not all of the them smoke cigarettes walking the Champs-Élysée daily.

I AM WEARING: Wilfred Silk Camisole // Club Monaco Cashmere Cardigan // Alexander McQueen Razor Necklace

Still, this book can be a fun coffee-table addition, and may be useful when I plan a trip to Paris. However it says a lot that I read the 238 page book in about two and a half hours!

What do you think? I am curious to hear your opinion.

With Love..

Marta