One of the things I enjoy about Paris is sitting outside a pavement café people-watching or rather admiring Parisian ladies with that 'je ne sais quoi' style .....those outfits that look effortlessly stylish .... I know that's a bit of a cliché but it's true.....they manage to look as if they haven't tried too hard yet they look so polished....chic, classic but with a modern twist.
Imagine my delight when I unwrapped this lovely gift 'Paris Street Style - A Guide to Effortless Chic' (by Isabelle Thomas and Frédérique Veysset), which was bought for me in Anthropologie, New York.
The Eiffel Tower heel immediately caught my eye! A book cover says a great deal about a book...I knew I was going to enjoy it.......
This is not just a list of what to wear and what to avoid. Of course they include suggestions about the essential items we should have in the wardrobe but there are many tips on how to add a little originality. The book also encourages us to look again at old favourites in our wardrobe in order to add our own personal style to today's looks.
I like the way the book features photos of people from the streets of Paris, as well as fashion icons, wearing a mix of high street and designer and there's a range of ages too.
The interviews with people in the fashion industry including young designers and editors make interesting reading .........
Sections which I particularly enjoyed included........ 'False Absolutes' where fashion clichés such as 'black suits everyone' and 'ballet flats are always chic' are questioned or contradicted ...
......and 'Making cheap look classy' - how to wear mass-produced clothes with style!
There are helpful tips which I haven't seen in other style guides....... how to maintain clothes, get baby soft feet and care for leather....
The book is beautifully illustrated with striking photography..
and hand-drawn sketches..........
All this talk of Parisian style certainly put me in the mood for another trip to Paris.....and there are some excellent addresses at the back of the book for shopping and for eating......
Paris Street Style may well help us to achieve our own personal style à la française but I'm sure that it's not always quite as effortless as the title suggests. I know that many Parisiennes do put much time and effort into the way they look.... they just make it look easy, as if they have just thrown something together.........and that's the challenge!!
PS How could I forget......my other little gift...a pretty magnetic bookmark ... now that is the perfect accessory!
The other two gifts from New York.... an Anthropologie scented candle .......
.......and the most stylish matches I have ever seen!
Now sitting on our coffee table...... far too cute to be hidden away!
Absolutely perfect gifts for me!!
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Interesting Book. I will check it out here. I admire Parisian style especially the style of Emmanuelle Alt and her Vogue Editors, Carla Bruni and Ines de la Fressange. Your magnetic bookmark is gorgeous. Was that from Anthropologie too? I bet your candle must smell so good.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the bookmark was from Anthropologie. You are right, the candle does smell good!
DeleteOh how sweet! Isn't it lovely to receive a little gift which the person knows will mean a lot to you? It's a good coffee table book. The bookmark is also neat and perfect for someone like you who loves Paris. I recently received a book gift also from a colleague. Not sure if you've seen it. It's about bags. Those matches are so cute. I bet you won't be using it as much as regular matches :) Have a lovely day :)
ReplyDeleteNow that looks like a really interesting book. I love quirky things like how to get baby soft feet in the middle of a style book but it's good to understand things like clothes maintenance too. Any really good pointers to share or do I have to get my own?
ReplyDeleteOne interesting tip was about storing clothes - vacuum pack with peppercorns which are apparently the best non-allergic, non-polluting moth repellant!
DeleteMiss B, I love this kind of books, I didnt know this one so for sure need to sign it and look for it asap!:) It looks so nice and a really good reading. I like the fact there are images from street style, tips about low cost and where go in Paris. Thanks for sharing, you got a very lovely gift, as well as the candles and the matches!:) Have a good day dear! xo
ReplyDeleteMiss B~ This book looks very chic. I'm always interested in Parisian style and this take on street style is intriguing. Somebody spoiled you with the perfect gifts from NYC-such fun!
ReplyDeletexx, Heather @ Stylemindchic
PS-You have some beautiful items in your boutique. Great sale!!
Thank you, Heather!
Deletelooks like you had some wonderful gifts! I love anthropologie and will have to check out this book Henri Bendel is a fun store as well Those matches are too pretty to use!
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of the week!!
Rosemary
i need it!
ReplyDelete;)
Thanks for sharing this info. I'd love to read the book, seems really interesting and helpful.
ReplyDeleteMiss B, can your friend by MY FRIEND? HAHAHA What exquisite taste! That book covers so many different topics. I saw it online when I was looking at books. It's definitely on my list. I can't get over those matches! How CHIC! I love the colors and the candle matches your lamp & decor perfectly. It was fun taking a peek at your decor! You have great taste. Thanks for mentioning the sale.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
I can see why this makes such a great gift. Mind you I think Anthropolgie merchandises really well - they seem to find the best of everything. But those matches are fabulous both inside and out!
ReplyDeleteThe book mark and scented candle are so lovely. The candle looks very nice in your home. The book sounds like it has many creative ideas and styles. When Nel went to Paris, she loved the way that the women dressed and talks about their comfortable styles and such. You are so lucky to visit Paris again soon.
ReplyDeleteLove,
~Sheri
I've got to get my hands on this, sounds amazing. Love your other gifts too xx
ReplyDeleteCe livre a l'air vraiment intéressant et plein d'astuces...
ReplyDeleteJ'aime les livres qui parle de mode et ce marque-pages est ravissant et tellement en équation avec votre cadeau!!!
Belle fin de semaine
Laure
I came across that book the other day while looking for Pins of great Parisian looks, so I was really excited to read your take on it. It seems like a great little resource! Thanks for sharing. Cheers! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, how I would like to have this book! Paris style, could it be any better??? Wonderful... And I allways admire ladies who dress simple and look chic and stylish...
ReplyDeleteLucky you to get suh a book! Parisian style is something that probably can only be defined through great photos
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like my kinda book, you always seem to find/receive some great fashion literature. Just the few snippets you've posted about makes me want to buy it. Cliche or not, it's true what you say about the Parisian style - effortless and chic. Do you think it's a subject that's included in the school curriculum lol!?
ReplyDeleteHi there! The book looks a real stylish read, what a lovely gift! Have a great weekend xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book! Looks like a must read! Have a great weekend! xo Caroline
ReplyDeleteI need this book!
ReplyDeletewww.fashiontruffles.com
I love the design of the book cover and browsing through different looks can be so inspiring. Those are fabulous gifts.
ReplyDeleteYour candle from Anthro. is so pretty! Love the color and I'm sure it smells fantastic:) What a great book! I like the varied topics of discussion .. including how to keep your clothes soft:) Nice of them to include a shopping list when you get to Paris too! Great book and I'm going to see if I can find it. Have a nice weekend! xxleslie
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun book! I have added it to my growing wish list.
ReplyDeleteyou have a fantastic blog,
ReplyDeleteciao
Nicky
What a lovely book! Def the best part of Paris is sitting outside at a cafe enjoying everyone that walks by.
ReplyDeleteLol, who knew matches could be so stylish?
ReplyDeleteLike the sound of the book. I must admit, I'm a sucker for French style guides.
This looks and sounds like such a lovely book. When I goto Paris, I always enjoy visitng cafes so much more for some reason. Also, love a Breton stripe anyday of the year. Wish you to enjoy your weekend Miss b. xx/Madison
ReplyDeleteLove it... so cute ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm following u now via bloglovin & gfc ;)
Hope you will follow me to..
kisses from Croatia,
Matea
oh yeay!! Seems like a lovely gift to give and receive. I will check it out next time I'm at anthro!
ReplyDeleteThe book seems to contain a lot timeless fashion inspiration. I can't wait to go to Paris next month!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need that book! But you also made me want to go to New York and visit Henry Bendel...
ReplyDeleteI know, when you walk in Paris it's like every girl is heading off to a photo shoot! They've such an effortlessly chic style!
ReplyDeleteLove
Coco et La vie en rose
Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook
Thank you miss b ! I am glad you love our book ! :-)
ReplyDeleteisabelle
Ce livre a l'air super chouette, quel dommage qu'il n'y ait que très peu de livres de ce genre en français !
ReplyDeleteLe livre existe en français : "You're so french, cultivez votre style" aux Editions de la Martinière (sorti en septembre 2012). Nous avons aussi écrit une version pour les hommes ("You're so French Men, secrets d'élégance masculine").
DeleteMerci, Isabelle. Je ne savais pas que vous aviez écrit
Deleteune version pour les hommes. Félicitations pour ce nouveau livre. C'est toujours agréable de voir un homme bien habillé! Je vais me le procurer si la version française existe en Angleterre.
What a fun post! I leave to Paris in a week and need as many tips on what to wear as possible. This book is a must read. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteMaria
http://www.onestyleatatime.com/
great cover!
ReplyDeletehttp://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
That book sounds fabulous...just reading one of your replies about peppercorns being a good moth repellent!! I must try that:) Love your styling in the sitting room:)
ReplyDelete~Anne
I love streetstyle too. It is really great to see people looking posh without spending tones of money.
ReplyDeleteMiss Margaret Cruzemark
http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/
Oh what a lovely book this will definitely be on my Christmas list. I got Parisean Chic by Ines de la Fressange last year and enjoyed it but I like that this shows different people. The cover is very french chic
ReplyDeleteThat book looks fantastic! It would make a gorgeous gift for someone. I'll be keeping it in mind :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and beautiful book! Thank you for a little preview. I will try to get a copy if I can. x
ReplyDeleteHi sweety, thanks for sharing your fashion verdict with me on my last post :) Thanks for letting us know about this charming and beautiful book, Id love to get myself a copy. Ive never been to Paris so I am sure this would be the perfect style guide. How cute are the matches, wow, so funky!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered this book recently and am very anxious to add it to my personal library - although the longer I lived in Paris, the more I found that I spotted people who weren't as well dressed, the wonderful style of Parisians is undeniable :)
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
This book has been on my wish list for a while. I think I am finally going to have to add it to my shopping cart the next time I place a book order.
ReplyDeleteTracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights
I so love books like this and admit to having a lot. This looks great. Love the real-life ladies and to me that is so much more inspiring than celebs and models! Going to see if I can get this at my Anthro in town! Thanks for sharing! I adore Paris for the same reasons- cafes and people watching!
ReplyDeletexxKim
I want this book now! Its filled with beauty <3
ReplyDeleteThe Dragonfruit Diaries
oh I need it too! seems very inspiring!
ReplyDeletewww.letiziabarcelona.com
This looks like such a great book! I'll have to check it out at my local bookstore!
ReplyDeletexx.
fashion and tea
I'd LOVE this book!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://diamondsanddust.co.za/
Great comments! I can see that quite a number of you are going to be treating yourselves to 'Paris Street Style.' I'm sure you will enjoy it. It was lovely to have comments from Isabelle, the author. Merci!
ReplyDeleteGreat book ! Thank you for that presentation :)
ReplyDeleteThat book looks great, I need to go get one!
ReplyDeletex karen
www.thechicndamned.blogspot.com
Effortless style is something I wish I had. :) I'm working on it. I'm working on a lot of things, I guess. I love the minimal look of this books cover, and the promise it reflects within.
ReplyDeleteI love (and to a smaller extent collect) fashion books and this one looks really alluring and interesting. While I was reading your post, it reminded me of "Ines de la Fressange, La Parisienne", which I received last year as a birthday gift and surprised me with its cute drawings and simple, yet sofisticated style. Then I saw that you had already reviewed that book as well. I might have to update my fashion bookshelf after reading this post :)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
xo Irene
Great overview of this book. I love the photos too, but there is some good info as well. I didn't get to the end yet and recommendations in Paris! I'll need to check that out.. Looking for this I found all your other book reviews. We love the same things! xx
ReplyDelete