Wacky Wednesday with Jenbiff

Parisian Chic

When I went on my trip to go see my parents I brought a book for the long flight over. The book I brought, Parisian Chic, is a medium sized book. Since I am such a SLOW reader I thought cool…I’ll spend a few hours reading it on my way over and finish it up on my way back! While on the flight and thinking I suddenly became a fast reader, I realized that it was really just an easy read (with lots of pictures!). That and I am always interested in things that will help me be as stylish as a Parisian. What I didn’t realize was that when the author was talking about style, she didn’t just mean clothing. And she broke it down into four simple parts for us Americans to understand.

Parisian Chic cover (Photo Credit: Google Images)

Of course Parisian Chic starts with the number one thing most people not from Paris (or even France for that matter) want to know about and be better at: style. Specifically how to dress like a Parisian. Some of the things she explained brought me real close to smacking myself in the face because of how simple they are. WHY CAN’T AMERICANS TONE IT DOWN A NOTCH…or 12??? She even tells us readers about where to buy such fabulously simple clothes, and even though most places are located in Paris (shocker, right?), there are a few places that have locations in the States, Europe and Asia. And of course their website, if they have one.

Pages from inside the book (Photo Credit: Google Images)

The second part, being the smallest, goes hand in hand with the first. It’s all about taking one’s new simple Parisian style and pairing it with even simpler makeup and beauty practices. Because according to author, Ines de la Frassange, “The Parisian loves talking about beauty, but hates spending hours in front of her bathroom mirror.” Sounds like it’s right up my alley!

One of the pages in the beauty section (Photo Credit: Google Images)

Everyone knows that being fabulously stylish is not only about how you dress and carry yourself. It also has to do with your home, which directly reflects your style in another way. As you’ve probably guessed by now, home décor is what the third section is about. She tells us readers everything from what sort of flowers to buy to how to store kitchen utensils in an offbeat way. Of course there are pages of recommendations of where to buy neat knick knacks and unique furniture.

The author on the back cover (Photo Credit: Google Images)

The final section of the book is the part that not every tourist ever gets to see when visiting from another place. Frassange lets us in on the places where traditionally only the locals know about and go to: the shopping, museums, where to eat and where to hang out. These places are actually all of her favorite places. There’s even a small restaurant named Racines!

The pages of the "Secret Paris" Section (Photo Credit: Google Images)

I really wish I had read this book before I went on my trip so I could have explored these places. Thankfully she has a few pages at the end of the book, just inviting you to take notes on whatever your little heart desires. So I’ve clearly already mapped out my next trip! Oh, and she even supplies a simple bookmark, encouraging you to read it. How sweet!

Quote of the Week: "Adriana: I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful by day or by night."
Last Weeks Answer:  Bringing Up Baby